"Reflections on Self-Care from an Academic Mother" in Introspective Journeys and Lessons Learned: Narratives of Self-Care in Academia

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Given the realities of external pressures on our daily lives, work-life balance is important now more than ever. Although we often advocate for work-life balance, are we equipped with the appropriate tools and an adequate support network to handle what life might throw at us? How do we continue to be productive when dealing with distressing matters that we seemingly have little control over? Contributors from different areas of the world, with a diversity of voices, offer their perspectives on how to navigate life’s obstacles while continuing to meet the expectations of departments, universities, and the profession to achieve career success and fulfillment. This forum highlights authors at different career stages, who have lived through a myriad of experiences including singleness/dating, marriage, pregnancy, parenting, serving as a caretaker, the death of a loved one, toxic work environment, and personal health to share their experiences and provide insights on how to cope with adversity at any point in one’s academic career.</jats:p>