Let me ask you something…when was the last time you truly checked in with yourself?
Not your to-do list.
Not your inbox.
Not the people who need you.
You.
If you’re like most of the people I coach, the answer might be, “It’s been a while.” And that’s okay! Life has a way of pulling our attention in a dozen directions at once. But here’s the thing – when we neglect our mental and emotional health, everything else starts to come apart. Our energy drains and our patience wears thin. Our relationships suffer. And before long, we’re just surviving and not really living.
That’s why I’m leaning into this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month with a message I’ve shared with countless clients:
You are allowed to slow down.
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to choose peace over pressure.
What Work-Life Balance Actually Looks Like
I bring this up, because work is the most common stressor causing an imbalance in life. Let’s debunk a myth real quick: work-life balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly or splitting your day into neat little halves. Real balance is fluid. It’s about being intentional with your time, your energy, and your boundaries. That might mean:
Choosing to step away from work at 6 PM, even if you could keep going
Creating space for joy that isn’t “productive” (yes, joy for joy’s sake)
Saying “no” more often without guilt so you can say “yes” to what matters most
Balance is less about perfection, and more about alignment.
On Stress and Self-Respect
Stress isn’t always bad. In short bursts, it helps us meet deadlines, show up for others, and push through tough moments. But chronic stress? That’s a slow leak in your life force. And it’s not something to just “deal with” or brush aside.
Managing your stress doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine. It means taking yourself seriously enough to:
Build in 10-minute breathers between meetings or tasks
Start your day with grounding rituals (music, journaling, movement)
Talk to someone who can help you untangle what’s really weighing on you
You’re not weak for needing a break.
You’re wise for knowing your limits!!
We live in a world that celebrates hustle but whispers about burnout. It’s time to flip that narrative. You don’t need to earn rest. You don’t need to justify your peace.
You matter, not just when you’re productive, helpful, or high-achieving.
You matter because you’re human.
So this month, I challenge you to reclaim one small piece of your life. One boundary. One pause. One breath of fresh air. Let that be your declaration that your mental health is worth protecting—not just in May, but always.
You’ve carried enough.
Now, let’s work on putting some of it down, together!
