Taking care of myself in academia

I work in academia. Next term I teach 7 courses which is a lot. It was my decision to shift the focus from research to teaching. However, I would like to do some coaching on how I approach the new term. This year has been very intense due to some personal and work-related things and I just want to be mindful about how I approach the new term. In academia it’s quite common to burn yourself out. I think it’s often frowned upon when you try to take care of yourself. I do work very hard, I enjoy work but I need to set boundaries for my mental and physical health. I often have this sense of urgency and I feel that I need to complete tasks immediately. For example, I have a lot of essays that I need to mark and the next term starts in two weeks. I would like to have marked all these essays before the start of the new term but I also need to prepare my classes etc. so I probably won’t be able to (unless I burn myself out in the next two weeks and I already feel stretched and have some health issues).

C: I need to mark essays
T: I can mark these essays over the course of the next term
F: relieved
S: space in my chest
A: I focus on what’s most important right now
A: I take care of my mental and physical health
A: I try to read at least one or two essays per week
A: I learn to accept that some tasks will take longer / remain uncompleted for a while
R: more ease

I would appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

 

 

Answer:

 

I wonder if you’re asking for feedback or permission in this submission (and I wonder this with so much love!). Because you absolutely have our permission to take care of yourself in the way that it suits you best!

This model looks strong to me, and I have a few questions about it. What, if anything feels sticky about leaning into this model? What feels easy about leaning into this model? What scaffolding, or safety nets can you put into place to give yourself extra support whilst you practice holding these boundaries and making accommodations for yourself, your needs, and your desires?

I hope you’re celebrating yourself for working in a way that works for you. That is incredible and deserves some time in the limelight!!