Talk: Mindfulness and meditation for scientists: How nature can help us
The doctoral and postdoctoral phase is an exciting but also challenging time. Young scientists invest a lot of time, energy and passion in their project. But sometimes the work-life balance gets out of control. Constant stress, lack of rest, intrinsic stress amplifiers and external pressures can lead to reduced performance and health problems in the long term. Recent studies have shown that young scientists are at a special risk of developing mental health problems like e.g. depression and anxiety.
Date
29.11.2024 | 12:30 - 13:30 Zur Anmeldung
Location
Hybrid: UFZ / Online
Lecturer
Dr. Iris Köhler
Target Group
Doctoral Researchers and Postdocs
Course Description
The doctoral and postdoctoral phase is an exciting but also challenging time. Young scientists invest a lot of time, energy and passion in their project. But sometimes the work-life balance gets out of control. It is therefore important that young scientists reflect on their own stress response & develop suitable coping strategies. A powerful tool that can help with this is nature: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have profound positive effects on well-being and reduce stress.
This talk gives an introduction and overview on:
- Mental health in science: Overview on the scientific evidence
- The power of nature: How time outdoors can help alleviate stress and promote well-being
- Combining mindfulness practices & nature: Forest bathing
All participants will get access to the self-study online course “Take a break from the lab”. The online course includes instructions and audio files for self-guided mindfulness practices in nature.
- Dr. Iris Köhler is a certified forest bathing guide (Waldgesundheitstrainerin, Kneipp Ärztebund e.V. & Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU München, 2020), a mental health first aider (Mental Health First Aid – Ersthelfer psychische Gesundheit, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Mannheim, 2021) and has been practicing meditation since 2019.