Focus on Wellbeing for Doctoral Candidates
For the month of May, we’ll be highlighting the importance of mental and physical health. Read on to find events and resources that will help you thrive and bring your best self to your studies.
Top tips from doctoral candidates
Watch doctoral candidates Yan Xie (Faculty of Arts and Education) and Rox-Anne L'Italien-Bruneau (Faculty of Science) share their thoughts and ideas about wellbeing.
Don't miss these inspirational events
Wednesday 30 April:
Motivation & Procrastination, with Desiree Dickerson (online)
To register, enter the following URL in your browser: https://wahapu.auckland.ac.nz/q8219/motivation-and-procrastination-w
Thursday 1 May, Thursday 8 May and Thursday 15 May (1:30pm):
Postgraduate Running Club
For the month of May, the Engineering and Design Postgraduate Running Club are inviting doctoral candidates from all faculties to join them for a 4km lunchtime run from the Faculty of Engineering and Design main reception to the Auckland Domain and back. All fitness levels are welcome. For more details, email Jane Williams.
Wednesday 7 May and Friday 9 May:
Sweat, Stretch, and De-stress (in person)
Dance-themed exercise sessions for PhD students at Hiwa, made possible through the School of Graduate Studies’ Creating Connections Grant. Book now.
Thursday 8 May:
Holistic Wellbeing for PhD Students, with Rachel King (in person)
To register, enter the following URL in your browser:
https://wahapu.auckland.ac.nz/q8w49/holistic-wellbeing-for-phd-stude
Thursday 8 May:
Time for Research, with Hugh Kearns (online)
To register, enter the following URL in your browser:
https://wahapu.auckland.ac.nz/q8267/time-for-research-with-hugh-kear
Monday 12 May to Friday 16 May:
Wiki Whai Hauora (The University's wellness week)
To find out more, visit Wiki Whai Hauora
Thursday 15 May:
Academic Skills: Time Management Workshop (in person)
This workshop will give you ideas about how to organise your time effectively and manage your studies. Book now.
Wednesday 21 May:
Doctoral Morning Tea at Grafton Campus (in person)
To register, enter the following URL in your browser:
https://wahapu.auckland.ac.nz/q9489/grafton-doctoral-morning-tea-wel
Friday 23 May:
Virtual Doctoral Morning Tea: Connections for Off-Campus Candidates (online)
To register, enter the following URL in your browser:
https://wahapu.auckland.ac.nz/q9456/virtual-doctoral-morning-tea-con
NOTE: If the booking links take you to Wahapū, but you do not have access to Wahapū, you can register via our online doctoral event registration page.
TOP TIP: Keep an eye on your faculty newsletters to learn about faculty-specific wellness events for doctoral candidates during the month of May.
Are you ready to start thriving?
Check out Desiree Dickerson's online talks
Get motivated to change your life for the better by listening to our series of bite-sized videos by Desiree Dickerson.
Desiree is a former neuroscience postdoctoral researcher and clinical psychologist who believes that a healthier approach to research is possible and supports positive change in those striving to perform well in the high pressure world of academia.
Her six-minute talks will help you thrive by giving you insights into the foundations for mental space and energy (sleep, nutrition, exercise, socialising, and relaxation), as well as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, productivity, procrastination, inner critic, process vs goal, and filling your bucket.
For starters, Desiree's advice is that if you can only change only thing in your life, it should be sleep: "Prioritising your sleep is the greatest gift you can give your wellbeing," she says.
Campus Care supports holistic wellbeing
Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care is a safe, confidential and free service that supports the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone at University of Auckland. The University also has many other avenues if you are seeking help and personal support.
Get physically active and boost your mental health
Hiwa, the University's new recreation centre in Symonds Street, is open from 6am to 10pm on weekdays and from 7am to 7pm on weekends. Why not go along and try out a class? There's something for everyone: yoga, dancefit, karate, pilates, swimming, squash, aqua zumba, boxfit and many more. Plus there's a really great coffee shop!
Learn more about what's on offer at the Hiwa Recreation Centre, and discover how the Actively Well programme can help you.
And lastly...
Top tips that really work
- Take regular breaks: Step away from your work to recharge. A short walk or a quick chat with a friend can do wonders.
- Stay connected: Join study groups or attend university events to build a support network.
- Practice self-care: Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, cooking, or exercising.
- Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to mentors or counsellors if you're feeling overwhelmed.