Academics spend hours sitting at a desk, thinking deep thoughts on specific topic areas. And we are also planners, thinking ahead of our next research paper or lecture. And when we think back to our previous papers and lectures, we ask the questions what went well? What did not go well? Often, we worry. Will we get tenure? Will we get that grant?
For as much thinking as we do, we are rarely self-reflexive in the present. We rarely live in the current moment, which, for many reasons, is problematic.
As Socrates declared at the trial which lead to his death, ‘the unexamined life is not worth living‘. That might be drastic, but there is some truth. What is life (or academic life) if it is mostly spent on worrying and moving from one thing to the next without any deep reflection? Why are we doing what we are doing? How are we making a difference?
Burnout in academia is not a secret. For some, only a few years in academia forces some to run for the door. Others find themselves 40 years old feeling more around the age of 70. Why do so many feel like cashing out mid-career?
Due to lack of job security, limited support from management and weight of work-related demands on time, academics face higher risks of mental health issues than other professions. We continually find ourselves distracted, un-centered and anxious. These emotions can have negative health outcomes – which sometimes don’t make us the easiest people to be around.
There might be a way to lead a more peaceful, impactful and fulfilling academic life. While this certainly entails many practices and, likely, several changes – the practice of everyday mindfulness might help academics deal with the vicissitudes of academic life.
Mindfulness is not just meditation, and that must be understood from the beginning. Mindfulness can be practised and integrated into every aspect of life. It is noticing the present moment. This philosophy comes from Vipassana, or ‘insight’ which is the crux of the Buddhist Theravada tradition. You do not have to be Buddhist or adhere to any specific religion to engage in mindfulness practices.
We often hear from colleagues and others that they ‘do not have time for mindfulness or meditation’. That’s understandable: most could easily fall into that exact same trap. But the good news is that being mindful does not require massive amounts of time or energy. And as mindfulness has been scientifically shown to reduce anxiety and stress, the benefits might quickly be seen.
Mindfulness can also increase psychological functioning, self-control and social connectedness. It could easily be integrated within your day: You could start with a mindful meditation before heading to campus, and follow this with a mindful walk in the afternoon. Finally, you can finish off the day with a mindfulness meditation.
A mindful lifestyle and meditation has differential success across the population, not everyone responds the same. But, there science is behind it and substantial knowledge that mindfulness practices can have significant benefits to people – and academics are no exception.
