Course Motivation, Well-Being, and Balance During the PhD

The course description is tentative and may be subject to change.

The workshop A1006/01 Motivation, Well-Being, and Balance During the PhD is being offered by the Graduate School of Health, Aarhus University, fall 2026.

The workshop is conducted in English and combines short presentations, dialogue, and practical exercises.

Pursuing a PhD can be both intellectually rewarding and personally demanding. Throughout the workshop, participants will identify factors that challenge their well-being, work-life balance, and productivity, and explore practical strategies for preventing and managing these challenges.

The first part of the workshop focuses on motivation and well-being, including:
• Psychological factors that support motivation and well-being, as well as the conditions that strengthen or undermine them.
• Practical approaches to balancing time, energy, and resources in ways that support both academic ambitions and personal well-being.

The second part focuses on preventing stress, including:
• How to recognize early signs and common responses to stress.
• Practical strategies for preventing stress and maintaining sustainable performance.

The workshop provides participants with an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, exchange perspectives with peers, and investigate concrete strategies to support both performance and well-being.

Instructor: Sanne Schou, psychologist, sanneschou.dk. Works with psychotherapy, supervision, counselling and management. Co-author on publications about vitalizing conversations.

Venue: Aarhus University, Aarhus

Participation in the course is without cost for:

• PhD students enrolled at Graduate School Health

Course dates:

• 28 October 2026 10:00 - 13:30