Do You Feel Burned Out By Academia?
The tenure track is demanding.
The pressure to publish, secure funding, teach effectively, and serve on committees can lead to chronic stress.
But what if the key to handling these pressures wasn’t more discipline—but more play?
Neuroscience reveals a surprising truth: Play is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and enhance cognitive function.
Why Stress Kills Creativity
Elevated cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone—has been shown to impair the hippocampus, the brain’s center for learning and memory.
Under prolonged stress, the amygdala (which governs emotional responses) becomes hyperactive, while the prefrontal cortex (responsible for analysis and creativity) becomes less active.
This explains why so many faculty members under extreme publication pressure experience writer’s block or feel stuck in research ruts.
The harder we push, the more rigid our thinking becomes.
The Neuroscience of Play
Play, however, reverses this effect. It triggers dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin—neurochemicals that reduce stress while enhancing cognitive function.
In fact, studies show that even brief play sessions increase neurogenesis, the formation of new brain cells in adults.
This means that stepping away from work and engaging in enjoyable activities can actually enhance problem-solving abilities.
Beyond its neurological benefits, play also strengthens relationships.
Psychiatrist Stuart Brown argues that playing together fosters trust and collaboration. For tenure-track faculty, this can mean stronger mentorship, co-authorship opportunities, and a more supportive academic network.
How do you do this in academia?
If you feel overwhelmed by academic pressures, consider integrating play into your daily routine:
So What's Next?
The academic grind is real. But the solution isn’t always working harder—it’s working differently.
The next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, don’t double down on stress.
Step away. Play. Your brain—and your research—will thank you.
What’s one way you incorporate play into your academic life?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s learn from one another and explore how we can reimagine academic success—together.
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