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...
Program Manager, PPM&PMO Specialist.| Coppel, Mexico.Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Akin Fadare I agree - even the best Gantt chart can't fix burnout! The mental health of a PM is definitely a critical project risk.
I think burnout and mental well-being are related but distinct. To combat burnout, I make sure to set clear work hours during the week, protect my weekends, and take proper lunch breaks.
For mental well-being, I practice mindfulness regularly. Taking time to be present and focus on the moment has made a big difference for me.Francisco
Program Manager| HARPER SRLSanto Domingo / Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
The biggest change for me was learning to set clear boundaries in my calendar. I treat personal time as non-negotiable, just like any other project block. Taking short mindful breaks during the day also helps me reset and come back with more clarity. Sometimes, simply saying 'no' to an unnecessary meeting is the best form of self-care.
Akin, great point mental health is often the “unseen risk register.” For me, the biggest shift was learning to truly disconnect after hours no late-night emails, no half-working weekends. It helps me return with clarity, patience, and better decisions for both the team and the project.
Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Aug 21, 2025 5:59 AM
Replying to Brantlee Underhill
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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!
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. Saving Changes...
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