PhD Wellbeing
Wellbeing during your PhD
A PhD is challenging and it is important that you look after your whole self; and this includes your wellbeing too.
On this page you will find resources which will help you think about how you look after yourself ( or your colleagues); understand that some of what you are feeling is very common (academic imposter syndrome is very common amongst many of us); and some hints for dealing with practical challenges such as procrastination or writers block.
These resources are not a replacement for speaking to a professional or seeking professional help.
Please check the Wellbeing Services resource page to see how you can access more support and guidance
Emergency
If you are concerned about someone's wellbeing or mental health and are on campus and require out of hours emergency help contact Community Safety on 024 7652 2222 or read Wellbeing's emergency contact information
If you are off campus then call the Emergency services on 999To gain confidential advice you can speak to
Helping students in distress (Researcher Development Guide)
RDO Wellbeing workshops
Coming up this Spring we have workshops to support your Wellbeing, Mental Health and Productivity.
All our MH sessions are delivered by our Psychologist specialist and facilitator, Frane Vusio.
We will be starting our Spring Programme on 9th February Bookings open on 19th January. We look forward to seeing you then.
RDO Spring - Wellbeing & Productivity Focus Pillar ( bookings open 19th January)
| Date | Time | Session | Booking Link |
| 09/02/2026 | 13.00-14.30 | Preparing for your Viva | Book |
| 11/02/2026 | 11.00-12.30 | Creativity in Research | Book |
| 18/02/2026 | 11.00-12.30 | Effective Researcher | Book |
| 23/02/2026 | 17.30-19.00 | How to Deal with Stress | Book |
| 24/02/2026 | 11.00-12.30 | Research Planning for your First Year | Book |
| 02/03/2026 | 17.30-19.00 | Increasing your Self-Confidence | Book |
| 05/03/2026 | 11.00-12.30 | Preparing for your Upgrade | Book |
| 11/03/2026 | 11.00-12.30 | Research Planning Part 2 - aims & objectives | Book |
| 12/03/2026 | 16:30-18:00 | How to Navigate Uncertainty in Research (and personal life) | Book |
| 16/03/2026 | 13.00-14.30 | Increase your Productivity | Book |
| 19/03/2026 | 10.30-12.00 | Tackling Perfectionism | Book |
| 19/03/2026 | 13.00-14.30 | Visualising your Research: how visuals can help plan your PhD | Book |
| 23/03/2026 | 11.00-12.30 | Building Adaptability & Strategies for Sustaining Motivation | Book |
| 30/03/2026 | 11.00-12.30 | 7 Steps to PhD Completion | Book |
Take 5 for Wellbeing
6 x 90 second videos to help you #TakeBreaks #MakeBreakthroughs
Take 5 video 1: Connect
Take 5 video 2: Be Active
Take 5 video 3: Take Notice
Take 5 video 4: Keep Learning
Take 5 video 5: Give
Take 5 video 6 : Remember to recharge
Podcasts
Podcasts from our resident Mental Health specialist Frane Vusio, and Maths Anxiety Researcher Sue Johnston-Wilder
Your Mental Health during your PhD series
2/Invisible Disability | Podcast on Spotify (19 episodes)
Maths Anxiety Series
1/Introducing What is Maths Anxiety
Stress
A workbook from www.talkplus.org.uk which discusses 'what is stress', identifying symptoms, and then strategies for coping strategies, overcoming barriers and much more
Managing Stress- a self help guide
Loneliness, Isolation & Low Mood Guides for support
Loneliness Guide- Marmalade Trust
Vitae Resources
Wellbeing & Mental Health resources signposts
Wellbeing & Mental Health lens on the RDF
Blogs:
A national website to support PGRs including:
Why are you engaging in PG research?
Highly recommended PG Research Myths Debunked
Managing your Mental Health during your PhD : Zoe J AyresMore Handbooks and self-help guides
7 Steps to help you deal with uncertainty
"What I wish you knew": a guide for staff from autistic students (warwick.ac.uk)
Return to Researcher Development Online root page
You can book on a PhD Wellbeing Session by completing an expression of interest form (warwick.ac.uk)
or by using SkillsForge https://skillsforge.warwick.ac.uk/.
If you use the expression of interest form you would not receive SF credits for your attendance but may give you the privacy you would prefer.