Productivity vs. Preservation: How do you balance work/school demands with mental health needs?

[Olusmart]

We are constantly under the pressure to perform and meet deadlines either at work or school. Sometimes, it comes at a cost - our minds. Everybody's advice is: hustle, grind and get to the top. Nobody is telling us to stop. Nobody is telling us to have enough rest. Nobody is telling us to take a break. Obviously, there is a clash between productivity culture and mental preservation. Productivity that costs you your mental health is not real productivity. How do we find a balance? How do we protect our mental health? Please let's discuss.

[Olumide]

I have established boundaries to protect my mental health. I also listen to my body; there are times when I just stop everything, rest and engage in leisure activities. Once you feel the tiredness, boredom and lack of inspiration to carry on, just stop. When you return later, you will be revitalised.

[Demon_skeith]

I've had a time at work my and everyone's mental health was bad but work needed to be done and worked through it but then took a long rest.

[Ravenfreak]

I have a set schedule on what I like to do outside of work to maintain that work/life balance. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with this schedule, whether it's due to me not being in a good mood or if I'm tired. Honestly at my last job everyone seemed to be bringing me down with their opinions on things and a good number of people didn't treat me with respect so I looked for a new job.