For this episode, we asked academics and university staff from around the world to share their own strategies for staying positive, healthy and maintaining balance in a sector in which stress and overwork are commonplace. At a time when higher education feels under attack in many countries, in more ways than one, it is important for those working in the sector to find coping strategies that work for them and build collective support. Thank you to all who contributed their personal wisdom: Lucas Lixinski is a law professor and associate dean at UNSW Sydney, which he joined after completing a postgraduate fellowship at the University of Texas School of Law. Maha Bali is a professor of practice at the Center for Learning and Teaching at The American University in Cairo (AUC).  Doune Macdonald is an emerita professor at the University of Queensland and a visiting professor at the University of Sydney. Debbie Riby is a professor of developmental psychology and associate pro-vice chancellor for postgraduate research students at Durham University Bhawana Shrestha is a research fellow at the Learning Institute for Future Excellence at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. Chris Wright is a senior lecturer and co-ordinator of the Drawing Centre at De Montfort University. Chin Moi Chow is an associate professor of sleep and well-being in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. Pippa Caterall is a professor of history and policy at the University of Westminster. Patrice Sewou is an associate professor of learning and teaching and the director of the Centre for the Advancement of Racial Equality at the University of Northampton. Aster Cosmos is a learning designer at Monash University. For more insight and advice on protecting the well-being of those working and studying in universities, take a look at our latest spotlight guide on making mental health a priority in higher education.