Few people care about your well-being.

Did you know that 12% of reported health issues globally are related to mental illness? This figure jumps to 23% in the most developed countries, with depression leading the charge. These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect a growing concern within our workplaces.

So, why am I highlighting these figures? Through my work, often people connect with me when they are already in a burnout without even realizing.

While not all mental health problems stem from job-related stress, it's critical to recognize that we spend roughly one-third of our awake time at work. The impact of our work environments is profound—often directly influencing our well-being.

Last week, I personally grappled with this reality. I was under the weather, struggling not just with the physical symptoms of a fever but also with the pressure of meeting work commitments like writing this newsletter.

Which I didn’t, that pressure was making not helping me, how could it go and help others?

And do you know what consequences came from that? I haven’t noticed none relevant.

My experience mirrors a troubling trend: increasingly, individuals I support are falling ill due to toxic work conditions, with some needing to take sick leave. Alarmingly, during their recovery, they're still being contacted by colleagues and supervisors, pressing for their return or to address work issues. This relentless demand highlights a pervasive auto-pilot mode that disregards the genuine need for recovery time.

The Urgent Need for Boundaries

We must ask ourselves: Are we merely surviving rather than thriving in our work environments? The evolving nature of work—with its frequent layoffs and the constant pressure to be grateful for merely having a job—compels us to accept less than we deserve. This mindset traps us in unhealthy work settings out of fear of losing our supposed 'luck.'

It's crucial to set boundaries to protect our health and ensure our environments nurture rather than deplete us. While it may seem difficult to envision a lifestyle different from the draining cycle of work-related stress, I've helped many to conceive a life aligned with their desires—a vision often clouded by guilt as if striving for happiness is an indulgence we must earn.

Take a Moment for Yourself

It's time to take proactive steps:

1. Regular Check-Ins: Monitor your mental and physical health frequently.

2. Reflective Assessment: Evaluate whether your environment supports or hinders your well-being.

3. Intentional Action: Make deliberate changes to foster a healthier work-life balance.

Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured under the shadow of unrelenting stress.

Set the boundaries necessary to unlock a happier, healthier life. It's not only possible.