Hello, I'm Monika.

I too was at the point where you are probably right now - in the middle of a PhD, overwhelmed, lost, self-doubting and under constant pressure to live up to my own standards and the supposed expectations of others. My thoughts were constantly circling around my to-do's, I felt permanently stressed and I was rarely able to really relax. At some point I realised that I was actually just functioning and had lost all ease and joy in my PhD. And yet my life seemed perfect to many on the outside, but on the inside it looked very different.

In addition, the striving for perfection and my strong self-doubt had led me to an eating disorder, which I had seemingly "conquered" at the beginning of my PhD, but over time it turned out that I was not really doing well for a long time. Eventually, due to a hormonal disorder, I began to focus more and more on holistic approaches to personal development and growth. I noticed that something began to change over time - I felt more alive, my physical complaints decreased, I had more energy and strength, was more understanding of myself, gained self-confidence and was also able to do my PhD much more easily.

Because of the visible changes, my interest in mindfulness and the body-mind connection grew. I read books, listened to many podcasts, attended a summer school on mindfulness in neurobiology and psychotherapy, and participated in a year-long coaching programme. My enthusiasm and fascination grew more and more until I realised that I wanted to share my knowledge and experience with others. I discovered my purpose in helping other PhD students to complete their PhD with more ease, joy and balance. My training as a Holistic Life Coach and Mind-Body Practitioner was finally able to take my knowledge and experience to the next level. 

And here I am, still far from perfect and in control, but much more mindful, at peace with myself, ready to take on new challenges and to support you on your PhD journey. Because looking back, I would have needed a person and support exactly like that. Someone I could open up to and share my doubts and concerns with in a safe environment. Someone who looks behind the scenes and shows me new perspectives and paths. Someone who understands me and who accompanies me on my way.

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My story is also available in podcast format:

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​"The Courage to Earn a PhD Mindfully with Monika Staab" in Higher Vibrations in Higher Education

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54kjOXRS4pgjdQjMdzPWFN?si=66433485db274d72

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-courage-to-earn-a-phd-mindfully-with-monika-staab/id1653506070?i=1000647563604