By Angelica Ribeiro, Ph.D.

Recently I found myself feeling grateful for a book that has been incredibly helpful for my research study. While it might not seem significant to express gratitude for a book, I learned from Kristen Mosley (2022) that we should appreciate the resources we have. Let me explain.

Mosley’s research has examined the relationship between teachers’ demands and the resources available to them to assess their risk for stress. She discovered that the demands placed on teachers, combined with the resources they have to meet those demands, can significantly affect their stress levels. When teachers face high demands with insufficient resources, they may experience burnout—manifesting as emotional exhaustion and a sense of low accomplishment—along with increased stress and diminished well-being. In contrast, having greater resources can enhance teacher well-being.

Although Mosley’s findings specifically focus on teachers, they can also be valuable for you as a writer. Even if you cannot control the demands of your writing assignments, you can reduce stress by utilizing effective resources. With that in mind, here I share two excellent resources that can assist you with your writing projects, ultimately enhancing your well-being.

• Keep Writing: 101 Strategies for Academic Writers (Goodson & Huerta, 2025): This book offers 101 actionable strategies aimed at helping you—whether you’re a graduate student, a faculty member, or an independent scholar—maintain motivation, consistency, and enjoyment in your writing practice. It consists of 14 sections that address essential aspects of academic writing, such as Know Yourself, Get Unstuck, Incorporate Feedback, and Have Impact. You can use this book as a practical toolkit to support your academic writing journey.
• Writing with Purpose, Peace, & Passion: A Guide for Sustaining Your Academic Writing (Huerta, 2024): This book is designed for you to maintain a long-term meaningful writing practice. It focuses not only on productivity, but also on cultivating a lasting sense of purpose, calm, and creative engagement. Based on a three-part framework—Purpose, Peace, and Passion—Huerta guides you through self-inquiry, mindset development, and practical activities. You can use this book as a reflective and interactive companion, making it ideal for short daily or weekly writing sessions.

The next time you encounter a stressful situation or want to prevent stress due to your writing demands, take a moment to consider the resources available to you. Academic writing resources such as Keep Writing and Writing with Purpose, Peace, & Passion are excellent tools to support your writing journey. They can help you reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being and enjoyment of writing.

References

Goodson, P., & Huerta, M. (2025). Keep writing: 101 strategies for academic writers. Independently Published.

Huerta, M. (2024). Writing with purpose, peace and passion: A guide for sustaining your academic writing. Independently Published.

Mosley, K. C. (2022). Measuring teacher stress: Validity and reliability evidence for the Classroom Appraisal of Resources and Demands-Revised (CARD-R). [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Texas at Austin.]

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Angelica Ribeiro is a writer, researcher, and professor. She is the author of How to Create Happiness at Work, Running into Happiness, and My Happiness Habit Journal. She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a focus on English as a second language from Texas A&M University. She has taught English learners and preservice teachers in the United States and Brazil for over 25 years. Angelica has several publications on second language acquisition. She works as a professor in higher education and helps others benefit from her happiness research. When she was a Ph.D. student, Angelica struggled with balancing her academic commitments and personal life, which motivated her to embark on a journey to increase happiness. Her journey was so successful that now she encourages others to create happiness in their busy lives by sharing science-based strategies. Visit https://www.creatinghappiness.today