By Tarnjit Sidhu @TarnjitSidhu Starting university as a postgraduate student can be a difficult time for many people. After finishing university for the first time around, you probably feel established and have a routine in place. So starting a new degree can be a daunting time. Where is my timetable? Why is no-one checking if … Continue reading How to manage stress as a PGR student
“What is your biggest flaw?” .. “Oh, well I am just SUCH a perfectionist!” Undeniably one of the most cliché and eye-roll inducing answers to this classic interview question, declaring yourself a perfectionist is often viewed as a humble brag. Most people think perfectionism is just admitting everything you do has to be just right, … Continue reading Perfectionism and Me
Although the British summer is back to rain clouds and gale-force winds, there are still plenty of other reasons to find yourself struggling with sleep. Work, money worries, British politics, or the thought of an existence without cauliflower cheese (https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/aug/12/cauliflower-shortage-uk-extreme-weather). Regardless of the reason, sleep is a fundamental need for all. Even bees struggle if … Continue reading Why a good night’s sleep is important no matter our age
Aged 12, I was a reluctant violin student. So great was my frustration with the instrument that I used to frequently picture throwing the violin against the wall and watching as the wood twisted and splintered into an unrecognisable mess. Despite the frequency and vividness of this mental image, I never acted on the thought. … Continue reading A reluctant violin student
You may have noticed that since Monday 3rd June, 2019 between the hours of 9pm and 10pm Sunday – Friday, the world seems a strangely quiet place. The answer to this lies in ITV2’s summer scheduling which importantly includes the return of love island. For those of you unfamiliar with the show, the premise is … Continue reading “It is what it is”
Almost a year has passed since I wrote a piece on my experiences of the imposter syndrome. In light of the recent media attention on the poor mental health, well-being and over-work of higher education staff and students, it feels like an appropriate time to touch base. A quick recap: imposter syndrome is a phenomenon … Continue reading Me and My Imposter Syndrome: One Year On
"Everyone deserves a fantastic workplace" We spend almost a third of our lives at work. Look around your workplace. What do you think of the space? Is it something that could be improved? Do we tolerate the mediocre standard, just because it's always been this way? No, absolutely not. It shouldn't have to be this … Continue reading Elemental Wellbeing
The imposter syndrome is a common issue that affects a large number of young people and seems to be particularly prevalent in academic institutions. From my own observations and experiences, this most likely arises from the constant reminders of the pressure that comes from remaining within academia and therefore forcing students to attempt to live … Continue reading The importance of language and insinuation in student/supervisor relationships
This article discusses endometriosis, periods and menstrual health. Following the success of the University of Manchester’s collection for menstrual products for Emmeline’s Pantry during the International Women’s Day events, we got thinking about the wider issues associated with menstruation. There is increasing awareness of periods and some incredible work is underway to end period poverty … Continue reading ‘En-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis’. En-do-mee-tree-what???
Trigger warnings: mental health, depression, anxiety A friend recently asked me whether I think people need a mental health diagnosis (of depression, anxiety or something else) before they should consider seeking support in the form of therapy. In other words, do I think there is any value for people who are experiencing mental health difficulties, … Continue reading Is it worth the wait? Thoughts on seeking mental health support with or without a diagnosis
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