At Breaking Point: Burnout in Academia

Welcome to the Dementia Researcher Podcast. In this episode, Dr Fiona McLean, an Alzheimer's Research UK fellow at the University of Dundee, discusses the issue of academic burnout with three fellow researchers. The guests, Dr Sarah Marzi, Dr Ian Harrison, and Dr Kate Harris, share their personal experiences with burnout, its impact on their work and personal lives, and strategies for managing and preventing it. They highlight the importance of setting boundaries, seeking mentorship, maintaining a work-life balance, and practising self-kindness. They also emphasise the need for a supportive and sustainable research culture. -- Five Top Tips from the Show: 1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries in your work to manage expectations and workload effectively. Communicate these boundaries with your colleagues and superiors to ensure a sustainable work environment. 2. Seek Mentorship: Engage with mentors both within and outside your institution. Mentors can provide valuable guidance, support, and perspective, helping you navigate the challenges of academic life. 3. Maintain Work-Life Balance: Dedicate time to activities outside of work that bring you joy and relaxation, such as hobbies or exercise. This helps in preventing burnout and maintaining mental and physical health. 4. Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with peers who understand your struggles and can offer support. Peer networks and friendtors (friendly mentors) can provide emotional and professional support, making you feel less isolated. 5. Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your achievements, setting realistic goals, and allowing yourself to rest. Recognise that it's okay not to be perfect and that your well-being is crucial for long-term success. -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode – and if you prefer to watch rather than listen, you’ll find a video version of this podcast with a transcript on YouTube: https://youtu.be/slPMLjva6Ws -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in association with Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia who we thank for their ongoing support. -- Follow us on social media: http://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ http://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ http://twitter.com/demrescommunity http://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher