Do you ever feel like you have got where you are by mistake? That at any moment you will be found out, exposed? If yes, then this is the workshop for you!

Although imposter syndrome is a lonely feeling, it is in fact an extremely common experience that is particularly prevalent in University environments. This workshop will explore factors in society and universities which pre-dispose us to imposter syndrome. We will investigate the concept of ‘surfing the creative wave’ as well as looking at our individual internal dialogues and how these contribute to our feelings of imposter syndrome. Most importantly we will spend some time thinking about practical strategies to ultimately beat this very powerful and undermining feeling.

Presenter biography:

For many years, Bridget Hazell has worked as a counsellor in Higher Education and has supported many students and staff at all levels at Loughborough University and beyond. Recognising that the challenges differ amongst different populations, Bridget is particularly interested in the pressures faced by doctoral researchers and academic staff.

We can become very caught up in rushing from place to place, our heads full of jobs to be done and people to talk to. Sometimes, we just need a chance to switch-off and calm our busy minds. During this session we will use guided visualisation, a well-established relaxation technique, to step out of the hurly burly of the day to day, unwind and recharge.

Presenter biography:

For many years, Bridget Hazell has worked as a counsellor in Higher Education and has supported many students and staff at all levels at Loughborough University and beyond. Recognising that the challenges differ amongst different populations, Bridget is particularly interested in the pressures faced by doctoral researchers and academic staff.

Take part in a light, fun, campus run (or jog or walk - whatever you prefer!), with members of the Doctoral College. There's no need to book, just turn up! Open to all doctoral researchers and staff :-)

Meet outside Graduate House for a 12:45 start time.

Route from Graduate House to be confirmed in due course.

Procrastination is the act of putting off doing something you had planned to do, in favour of doing something less important. When we procrastinate, we are that we are doing this, we are also aware that it is a bad idea.

In this workshop we will explore the reasons behind this seemingly irrational habit and develop some practical strategies to help move from procrastinator to producer.

Overview:    

• Do you plan to work but then struggle to get started?
• Does a sense of guilt about work not done spoil your leisure time?
• Do you clean, check email, surf the internet, watch Netflix or find other creative ways to distract yourself from your work?
• Do you find yourself in a state of panic as deadlines draws closer? 

As counsellors in the University Counselling Service we come into contact with many students who are struggling with procrastination. In fact, one 2007 study estimated that up to 80 to 95% of students procrastinate on a regular basis, particularly when it comes to completing coursework assignments. However, as the academic tasks get bigger, what might at one time have been an annoying habit can become a serious problem with significant impacts on levels of stress, productivity and quality of work. 

In this workshop we will explore the reasons behind procrastination, examine the impact of continued procrastination and learn simple steps that we can take to stop procrastinating and start working. 

Presenter biography:

Emma Mansley and Bridget Hazell have both worked as counsellors in Higher Education for several years and have supported students and staff within the Loughborough University community to develop and maintain healthy relationships with self, work and others.