Stress and resilience for researchers

The aim of the first session of this workshop, given by Joeri Wielandts (KU Leuven) 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 which will be covered in this session. Next we’ll practice a resilient way of discussing stressors and practice this with a case (how Corona has affected us). We will take time to discuss interesting theories and research regarding behavioural change and habit formation. These insights and the added inspiration from a few more smaller parts, will allow you to optimize your action plan to create sustainable changes that will have a long-lasting impact on your experience of stress.

Two editions of this workshop will be organized throughout 2021.

Learning outcomes

During this workshop, participants ...

• acquire insights in the stress system and its impact,
• are able to identify their personal stressors and energy drainers,
• develop strategies to lower stressors,
• develop new habits which will increase their resilience,
• learn how to communicate about stress.

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

• personal effectiveness:
  
  • stress management
  • self-development
  • self-confidence
    
    

For whom?

• PhD students
• 16 places available

When & where?

• Edition 1: February 3 & March 9, 2021 - 09:00-13:00 - Participation on both days is required.
• Edition 2: May 31 & June 28, 2021 - 09:00-13:00 - Participation on both days is required.
• The workshop will be organized digitally. You will receive the necessary details timely.

Registration?

• Edition 1: Registration is closed since January 11, 2021.
• Edition 2: Registration is closed since May 9, 2021. 
• Please register only if you can attend both sessions. As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email in due time.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: category 'career management & personal development' - workshop on personal development
• DS HLS: category 'transferable skills' - one compulsory elective course
• DS ST: category 'career & personal development' - course about personal development