Stress and resilience for researchers

Cluster

Leadership & personal efficiency

Target group

Doctoral researchers of the Doctoral Schools of Ghent University and postdoctoral researchers, no previous knowledge required.

Topic

The aim of the first session of this workshop is to obtain a better understanding of how our stress system works and what the impact is of (chronic) stress on our brain and physical and mental health. We will explore the concept of resilience from different angles and discover ways to strengthen it. These insights provide inspiration to draw up a personal action plan that outlines what you want to do differently from now on to obtain a better sense of balance.

During our second session, we will start by reviewing your personal action plan and exchange experiences between participants. A common source of negative thinking is the impostor syndrome that will be covered in this session. We will take time to discuss an occupational stress theory and research regarding behavioral change and habit formation. Finally we’ll practice a way of dealing with daily stress. These insights and the added inspiration will allow you to optimize your action plan to create sustainable changes that will have a long-lasting impact on your experience of stress.

Preparation

What causes stress? What drains your energy levels?
List everything you can think of, both at work and life in general. Bring your results to the workshop (printed or digital).

Also watch these three videos:

• How stress affects your body (4:43) 
• How stress affects your brain (4:16)
• How to make stress your friend (14:16)

After the first session, you will be asked to make your own personal action plan on stress & resilience. This action plan is a mandatory part of the workshop.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Acquire insights in the stress system and its impact
• Be able to identify their personal stressors and energy drainers
• Gain insights in how to lower stressors
• Develop new habits which will increase their resilience
• Learn how to communicate about stress

Trainer

Stephan Marchant

HR Learning & Development Unit, KU Leuven

Dates & Venue

Registration fee

Free of charge for members of the Doctoral School and postdoctoral researchers. The no show policy applies.

Registration procedure

First semester: Follow this link to subscribe to the registration and waiting list.
Second semester: Follow this link to subscribe to the registration and waiting list.

Your registration will be confirmed by separate e-mail from the Doctoral Schools. Cancellation of your registration can only be performed by sending an email to doctoralschools@ugent.be.

Number of participants

16

Language

English

Evaluation methods and criteria (doctoral training programme)

100% attendance and active participation

After successful participation, the Doctoral Schools will add this course to your curriculum of the Doctoral Training Programme in Oasis. Please note that this takes up to one to two months after completion of the course.