Unstable Fluid Podcast 9: Brain go brrr....
Aug 16, 2025
Thomas and Kat tackle the complexities of managing time and mental health as academics. They share personal stories about stress, proofreading mishaps, and the repercussions of conference fatigue. The conversation dives into Spoon Theory, ideal for visualizing mental energy and preventing burnout. They discuss finding balance in PhD life, the importance of community outside academia, and the benefits of hobbies. With practical tips on structuring meetings and project planning, they equip listeners to navigate the academic landscape with greater ease.
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Twelve-Hour Charity Stream Burnout
- Kat ran a 12-hour charity stream of maths exams and found the following days mentally draining.
- She used the bank holiday afterwards to fully detach from work and recover.
Find A Nonacademic Community
- Build a life outside your department by joining clubs, classes, or local meetup groups distinct from academic circles.
- Use those non-academic communities to have social spaces where you can't 'talk shop' and can recharge mentally.
Yoga Class Built New Social Roots
- Kat built separate social anchors like a yoga studio that wasn't tied to her department and found fresh friendships there.
- Those non-academic connections provided activities that recharged her without discussing work.
