Even the best Gantt chart can’t fix burnout. The mental health of a PM is a project risk in itself. I recently read advice on setting boundaries, communicating with care, staying flexible, and delegating. What’s one habit or change you’ve made that’s had the biggest impact on your mental health as a PM? Saving Changes...
Hi Akin. I've learned to understand that every single person we work with is most likely struggling with something. Fostering a collaborative and friendly working environment is absolutely crucial to my personal mental health and I've seen it benefit the people I work alongside with. When people enjoy coming to work, it no longer feels like a job.
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Aug 12, 2025 11:53 AM
Akin Fadare
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Thank you, Christopher!
Creating an enabling work environment where team members find peaceful and collaborative is indeed an underrated mental health support system. I want to call it an ‘escape away from daily chaos’. That is the best we can do as PM leaders to contribute positively to team members struggling with their mental health. Thank you for your submission!
Hi Akin. I've learned to understand that every single person we work with is most likely struggling with something. Fostering a collaborative and friendly working environment is absolutely crucial to my personal mental health and I've seen it benefit the people I work alongside with. When people enjoy coming to work, it no longer feels like a job.
Thank you, Christopher!
Creating an enabling work environment where team members find peaceful and collaborative is indeed an underrated mental health support system. I want to call it an ‘escape away from daily chaos’. That is the best we can do as PM leaders to contribute positively to team members struggling with their mental health. Thank you for your submission!
Setting boundaries around when communications will happen (and when they won't) both for yourself and to model balanced behaviors for your team members.
That and working out at the gym regularly to burn off stress and get an energy boost to start the day.
Kiron
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1 reply by Akin Fadare
Aug 12, 2025 12:04 PM
Akin Fadare
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Kiron
Thoughtful submission. Boundary setting is a non-negotiable. As for working out, that is a lifelong adventure for me. That comes with many benefits. Thank you for sharing.
Setting boundaries around when communications will happen (and when they won't) both for yourself and to model balanced behaviors for your team members.
That and working out at the gym regularly to burn off stress and get an energy boost to start the day.
Kiron
Kiron
Thoughtful submission. Boundary setting is a non-negotiable. As for working out, that is a lifelong adventure for me. That comes with many benefits. Thank you for sharing.
Akin Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Akin Fadare One of the most impactful shifts was reframing “availability” as a strategic resource rather than a default state.
By intentionally scheduling recovery time into the calendar - just as one would protect milestones or critical path tasks - the PM sustains the capacity to think clearly, lead calmly, and make sound decisions under pressure.
This isn’t about working less; it’s about safeguarding the quality of presence the team receives.
Start by blocking one or two short, non-negotiable breaks each day - you’ll be surprised at how this simple habit compounds into better focus, resilience, and project outcomes. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
The link you have provided does not exist. Please double-check, thank you!
Akin
Akin,
sorry, I cannot provide a working link to LinkedIn.
Go to my profile and check the articles I published (not posts). Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
If you are suffering mental health working as project management then you need to learn project management or you need to get other profession. Sorry for being categoric. Saving Changes...
Love this topic! The responsibilities that a PM takes on to be accountable, responsible and influential are immense; projects can be stressful! And when we aim to really listen and relate to people, from the sponsor to the stakeholders, it requires a dynamic set of skills (power skills!) to set the conditions for success. Projects are lot about people. There are days where the demands are high. I want to act in a responsive vs a reactive way, so sometimes, the best thing for me is simply to talk a walk. Get outside, no phone, just breathe, walk, reflect. That usually sets me back on track. Plus this bit of outdoor time and exercise is great for the brain as much as the body, so building in the walk and reflection time as a daily routine helps my overall health. Good luck!
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1 reply by Luis Branco
Aug 24, 2025 5:32 AM
Luis Branco
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Brantlee Underhill , thank you for bringing in the human dimension so vividly.
I really resonate with your point — protecting recovery time is not just about scheduling, it’s also about choosing how we restore.
A mindful walk, without phone or agenda, is a great example of presence over pressure.
Combining intentional calendar protection with practices like yours creates a regenerative rhythm: strategic structure + restorative rituals.
That balance is what sustains performance and well-being in the long run.
Community Champion
PMI Team Member
