Wellbeing and Productivity

Navigating Your PhD with Your Wellbeing in Mind

Undertaking a doctoral study is both an exciting experience and a challenging journey. The excitement comes from working on something we are passionate about, exploring new concepts or ideas, and making contributions to the knowledge base. However, at times, we may also feel stressed, lost or unmotivated when things are not going well or not as what we have expected. This session will explore strategies to manage our stress response when feeling under pressure, particularly in the academic context. The following topics will be discussed.

• Role of the researcher
• Relationship with the supervisor (e.g., handling feedback and conflict, managing the supervisory relationship) Managing wellbeing when confronted by challenges (covering flight/fight/freeze response, emotional regulation, growth mindset)

Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing Workshop

Join us for a 1.5-hour crash course on the 5 dimensions of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.

The ability to understand our own emotions and those of others enables us to build relationships and deepen our emotional awareness. Managing emotional triggers helps us stay the course when tackling challenging tasks and difficult interactions.

Come and hear about some strategies that enable you to take a step back, consciously regulate big emotions and activate decisions that move you closer to your goals.

Graduate Research Student Rights and Support

Join us for an informative session where you’ll learn about your rights as a student at Monash University, discover the wide range of support services available, and gain practical strategies to help you navigate challenges and thrive throughout your studies.

Punch the Pressure: Body Combat for Engineering Graduate Researchers

Stressed by your experiments, papers, or thesis? Punch it out at our high-energy Body Combat session! Expect a non-contact, full-body cardio workout set to upbeat music, blending martial arts, karate and boxing to help you reset and recharge. No prior experience is required. All fitness levels are welcome! Early-career researchers and academics are also welcome to join!

• What to wear: workout clothes and shoes
• What to bring: a water bottle and a sweat towel

The Lens of Distortion: Navigating Imposter Phenomenon in Research

Join us for an interactive 50-minute workshop designed to help graduate and early-career researchers tackle feelings of intellectual self-doubt and the potential fear of being exposed despite objective success. Imposter Phenomenon (IP) is widespread across academic disciplines, frequently causing high levels of stress, psychological distress, burnout, and social isolation that can impede learning, achievement, and long-term career persistence. Through interactive discussion and practical activities, this session normalizes the uncertainty, failure, and constructive critique inherent to pioneering research exploration. The session provides an opportunity to learn about strategies to turn challenges into catalysts for growth.