Ires Ghielen blij met vergrootglas

I help you practice science in a more healthy & happy way

πŸ‘‰ by improving stress-management skills

πŸ‘‰ by communicating more effectively

πŸ‘‰ by working SMARTER, not HARDER

πŸ‘‰ by being more compassionate (towards yourself)

πŸ‘‰ by getting the FUN back in doing science

πŸ‘‰ by prioritizing mental health

I know the academic world can be discouraging ’cause once I was you.

I started my neuropsychology PhD with the greatest enthusiasm and ambition, but I soon came to the conclusion that the scientific world can be very harsh. I went through a burnout in my second year, and was completely overwhelmed by all that was coming at me as a first-generation academic. I felt lost and lonely, I didn’t think I would be up for it, and I thought about giving up.

But with lots of professional and personal support, learning about and experimenting with stress-management skills, and resetting my work-life balance, I finally managed to finish my PhD in time while being my most relaxed self. After finishing my PhD, I started teaching other researchers to navigate through the harsh academic environment. I’d love to show you how you can re-find your confidence, chill vibes, and fun science times!

Ires contemplating on the beach

The Healthy Science Method

To practice science in a healthy way, there are three pillars we need to focus on, which also interact with one another.

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COMMUNICATION

Manage expectations and responsibilities, and communicate these in tactful and effective ways. From supervisor to student, and from student to supervisor.Β 

Also, learn how to communicate in more healthy ways towards yourself (and your inner critic).

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STRESS-MANAGEMENT

Acquire skills to deal with all the pressure, competition, and expectations in the ambitious academic environment.

Create a healthy work-life balance and focus your time and energy on those things you can actually control.

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PRODUCTIVITY

Work smarter, not harder.

Discover what works best for you and start working together with your brain (which is your biggest asset) instead of working against it.Β 

So you can continue practicing science in a sustainable and effective manner.

Review

“The course was very helpful, I wish I had found it behore starting my PhD πŸ™‚ (this is my perfectionist voice talking haha). I’m still not sure if I’m going to graduate as a PhD but I have chosen some goals (health and work related) to achieve during my last months. Watching your videos and guidance, gave me a lot of tools and confidence for making that possible.”

Anonymous PhD student

Ires Ghielen

Book me for a workshop

And upgrade the stress-management skills of your entire team, department, or even university!

Not with a boring presentation, but with practical tools, active exercises, and some great fun. I will send everyone home with newfound positive energy, confidence, and a smile on their faces :-).

We can discuss and adapt the specifics, but I have some great workshops ready to go (both offline and online).

Check out my vlog / podcast!

Brainwaves and interviews with (renowned) researchers about how to make academia a healthier and happier place.

Imposter phenomenon with expert Sanne Feenstra

Yes, you've read it right: PHENOMENON, not Syndrome. And that has a reason, which Sanne Feenstra explains in the interview. A little hint; a syndrome has to do with you as a person, and phenomenon has to do more with environmental factors. Sanne is doing research...

Interview
3 Jan 2023

Why I quit academia after finishing my PhD

A question whether or not to continue in academia is one that pops up in almost every phd’s mind at some point. This is something a lot of people are doubting about so you are not the only one. The academic environment has its way to take the β€˜fun’ out of...

Vlog
3 Jan 2023