Stress and resilience for researchers (edition 1)

The aim of the first session of this workshop, given by Stephan Marchant (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. 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.

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. 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.

At least two editions of this workshop will be organized throughout 2026.

Learning outcomes

During this workshop, participants will...

• have insight in the stress system and its impact.
• be able to identify their personal stressors and energy drainers.
• know how to develop strategies to lower stressors.
• know how develop new habits which will increase their resilience.
• be able 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 & postdocs
• 16 places available

When & where?

• Edition 1: February 10 & March 10, 2026 - 13:00-17:00 - Participation on both days is required.
  • Location:  Campus Diepenbeek, Building D, room A4 (10/02/26) and room E139 (10/03/26)
• Edition 2: September 22 & October 20, 2026 - 13:00-17:00 - Participation on both days is required.
  • Location: Campus Diepenbeek, Building D, room A4

Preparation?

• What causes stress? What drains your energy levels? List everything you can think of, both at work and in life in general. Bring your results to the first session of the workshop (printed or digital).
• Also watch these two videos:
  • What stress does to your body (it isn't always bad!) (4:20)
  • How to make stress your friend (14:16)
• After the first session, you will be asked to make your personal action plan on stress & resilience. This action plan is a mandatory part of the workshop.

Registration?

• Edition 1: Register here from October 16, 2025 until January 14, 2026.
• Edition 2: Registration is possible from June 04, 2026 until Augustus 26, 2026.
• Please register only if you can attend both days. 
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email after the registration deadline has passed.
• 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' - compulsory elective course
• DS ST: category 'career & personal development' - course about personal development