I’m a burned out academic leaving the field. I’d like to learn something new as a means of recovery and healing from the trauma (edit: narcissm, lack of human connection, intense funding cuts resulting in competition, less focus on students in recent years and instead on metrics). So, what should I learn (edit: that might help recovery from the aforementioned) What do you recommend and where could I start? I’m not looking for career advice, just crowdsourcing new things to learn and experience.

That’s it. That’s my ask.

Edit: Added some context.

  • Digit@lemmy.wtfEnglish
    2·
    1 day ago

    This may, to some, sound naive, but, perhaps worth considering:

    Do what you love.

    Do what energises you, fulfils you.

    Alongside learning about recovery from burnout and trauma, this^ may help prevent succumbing to burnout again.

    “If it’s not a “heck yeah”, it’s a “heck no””.

    Non-dogmatically. Flexibly. Follow the flow.

    And rest. Rest is good. Rest is necessary. Rest takes as long as it takes, and if in recovery from burnout, it takes twice as long as it seems (~ meaning once you first think you’re out of burnout, it takes as long resting to heal again yet). Cast aside any programmed guilt for resting. It’s necessary “put your own seat-belt on first”, to be able to safely help others.

    Don Barlow’s (easy to read) books may help with trauma too.

    And there are countless perspectives and insights out there, into supporting your biology through stress. Adaptogens, neurogens, cannabinoids, peptides, enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and amino-acids, and other nutrients and therapeutics.