Danielle De La Mare shares insights on fostering self-compassion as a professor. She discusses overcoming imposter feelings, embracing self-compassion, setting boundaries, and finding balance in academia. The podcast highlights the importance of acknowledging emotions, prioritizing well-being, and aligning actions with personal values.
Acknowledging emotions reduces anxiety and enhances self-awareness.
Self-compassion practices prevent burnout and promote work-life balance in academia.
Deep dives
The Struggle with Self-Worth and Burnout
The podcast episode delves into Dr. Danielle De La Mar's experience as a tenured professor battling imposter syndrome, intense overwork, and burnout driven by feelings of inadequacy and the constant need to prove her worth, particularly in her teaching. This struggle led to a realization of the unhealthy overwork cycle, prompting Dr. De La Mar to navigate career wellness and create resources like the Self-Compassionate Professor podcast to assist academics in similar situations.
The Importance of Naming Emotions
Naming emotions is highlighted as a crucial practice for reducing anxiety and fostering deeper connections with oneself and others. By acknowledging and verbalizing emotions, individuals can gain clarity, connect to their inner wisdom, and enhance their self-awareness. This process allows for a deeper understanding of personal experiences and facilitates emotional release.
Practicing Self-Compassion and Detachment
The podcast emphasizes the significance of self-compassion practices in grounding oneself amidst the ever-changing higher ed environment. It encourages regular moments of reflection and self-awareness to prevent burnout and maintain well-being. Furthermore, detaching from overworking tendencies and prioritizing self-care are essential for sustainable professional growth and fulfillment.
Self-Compassion and Its Impact on Work-Life Balance
Self-compassion is presented as a pivotal tool for maintaining work-life balance and nurturing holistic well-being. The discussion underscores the value of integrating grounding practices, expressing gratitude for personal strengths, and recognizing individual desires to align professional efforts with personal values. By fostering self-compassion, individuals can enhance their resilience, authenticity, and overall sense of fulfillment in their academic pursuits.
Danielle De La Mare shares how to foster self compassion as a professor on episode 519 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
And I worked way, way, way, way, way harder than I should have because I thought that if I didn’t work hard, people would see that I wasn’t worthy of being their teacher.
-Danielle De La Mare
Let’s just take a second and really feel all the pain that you’ve been feeling. And put your hands over your heart.
-Danielle De La Mare
Don’t say yes if it’s not something that really speaks to you, if it’s not really a deeper sort of desire of yours.
-Danielle De La Mare
What is it like to be me? Do I even know right now?
-Danielle De La Mare