It’s about showing up better in work, relationships, and the daily grind.
It’s More Than Just Powering Through
Mental health is about handling stress, staying steady under pressure, and maintaining good relationships. Whether it’s dealing with career stress, family responsibilities, or personal goals, if we neglect mental health, burnout and stress overload are bound to follow.
The Challenges: Work, Tech Overload, and Trying to Do It All
Career Pressures: Work can be a major stress for many. Long hours, tight deadlines, and the push to move forward can lead us to put our mental health on the back burner. When we’re overworking without recharging, burnout often presents itself and productivity nosedives.
Constant Connectivity: Our phones keep us connected 24/7, which is great — until it isn’t. The constant pings, notifications, and emails make it hard to relax fully. The nonstop digital flood combined with social media’s FOMO factor means it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Even small breaks from tech can bring back some real mental clarity.
Trying to Be “The Man”: Society often expects us to stay strong, have it all figured out, and never show cracks. But constantly feeling like we need to have everything under control is exhausting. This pressure to keep up appearances can drain our energy, adding more stress to our mental load.
Strategies for Balance: Real, Practical Tips
Set Boundaries: Boundaries are essential. Maybe that means “no work emails after 8 PM” or “phone on silent during time with loved ones.” These small boundaries allow you to recharge so you’re sharper when it’s time to get back to it.
Practice Self-Care (Yes, Really): Self-care isn’t just spa days — it’s whatever helps you relax and recharge. Maybe it’s hitting the gym, grabbing a coffee solo, or setting aside time to hang with friends. Prioritizing self-care isn’t about pampering; it’s providing you with the ability to improve your capacity through rejuvenation.
Limit Technology Time: Cutting down screen time can seem impossible, but even small breaks make a difference. Set specific times to check social media or emails. Not being “always on” gives you more time to focus on things that truly relax you.
Build a Support Network: Having people you can count on makes everything easier. Friends, family, or even a work buddy you can vent to help you feel supported. Though not easy to do, these conversations, big or small are essential.
Stay Mindful and Stress Less: Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated — just take a few minutes to breathe deeply and focus on the present moment. It keeps you grounded, reduces those “what if” worries, and helps you keep things in perspective when life gets hectic.
The Bottom Line: Keep Mental Health a Priority
Achieving balance isn’t about doing it perfectly; it’s about small, simple adjustments that add up to a big difference. Setting boundaries, building a solid support network, and embracing self-care are key to keeping mental health in check while handling life’s demands. When we make mental health a priority, we’re in a stronger place to take on challenges and show up for the people and things that matter most.
In the end, balancing mental health with life’s demands is an ongoing journey — one that doesn’t require doing everything, but doing enough to keep yourself steady, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.
Written by,
Joel Brazier
Vernon, BC
info@generationscounselling.com
**Please know that if a friend is ever threatening suicide you should call your local police immediately. For further information or to contact the author with any questions, please email Joel directly at info@generationscounselling.com with the subject line FOF. **