Reconceptualising our relationship with time to enhance self-care and wellbeing in higher education

Document Type

Book

Publication Title

Exploring Time as a Resource for Wellness in Higher Education: Identity, Self-care and Wellbeing at Work

First Page

1

Last Page

11

Publisher

Routledge

School

School of Education

RAS ID

71805

Comments

McDonough, S., & Lemon, N. (2024).Reconceptualising our relationship with time to enhance self-care and wellbeing in higher education. In S. McDonough & N. Lemon (Eds.), Exploring time as a resource for wellness in higher education (1st ed., pp. 12). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032688633-1

Abstract

Time is a central construct in our lives. It shapes the structure of our days, and the ways we mark and think about our experiences and our wellbeing. Commonly, we might bemoan a lack of time, however, we rarely consider the cultural and philosophical basis of time. The complexities of the higher education working environment, such as constant change, bureaucracy and administrative demands, funding cuts, and conflicts in values, are all framed within a broader socio-cultural context of how we see and understand time. Interrogating and considering the construct and manifestations of time within this complex higher education landscape creates opportunities for scholars to contribute to a better understanding of the sector and of their own individual and collective wellbeing. The intensified workload and the need for a better work-life balance are significant issues in higher education that threaten the wellbeing of academics, with a culture of overwork and competing demands exacerbating the problem. Academics need to be valued, supported, and heard, and a different approach to wellbeing that is more systematic and sustainable is needed. In addressing time as an under-examined concept in higher education, this volume encourages academics to examine the socially and culturally constructed notion of time and to explore its intersection with notions of self-care and wellbeing.

DOI

10.4324/9781032688633-1

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