When was the last time you asked yourself, “How am I really doing?”
Not the “Fine, thanks!” we automatically say when someone asks.
Not the “Just tired!” we blame on poor sleep.
The real answer.
If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while, and that’s exactly the problem.
We live in a world that never stops… Notifications never stop, work never stops, and the mental to-do list definitely never stops.
Your brain wasn’t built for this.
Think about it. Our ancestors worried about things like “Will I find food today?” and “Is that a lion?” Simple stuff. Now? We’re going through 10 tabs in our brains at all times, pretending it’s fine, and wondering why we feel constantly exhausted.
Mental health struggles are going up in the skies, and it’s not because people are weaker now. It’s because the modern world is literally working against our mental well-being. Still, you can feel better and no, it doesn’t require quitting your job, moving to a cabin in the woods, or finally mastering meditation.
It’s about small, doable shifts that actually work with your life, not against it.
Why the Modern World is Terrible for Mental Health
1. We’re Always On and It’s Exhausting
Remember when work ended at 5 PM?
Yeah, me neither. Between emails, Slack pings, and the pressure to always be available, our brains never get a real break.
- Set one no-screens hour a day, even if it’s just 8-9 PM.
- Turn off notifications for everything except calls/texts. Your apps can wait.
- Use the Balance Me App to schedule mental time-outs because sometimes, we need a reminder to stop.
2. Comparison is Everywhere
Instagram. TikTok. LinkedIn. Even Pinterest makes us feel like we’re failing at life. But the thing is that no one’s life is as perfect as their feed.
- Follow accounts that make you feel good – dog memes > #hustle culture.
- Start a Win List where you jot down your victories even tiny ones.
- Remind yourself: Someone else’s highlight reel isn’t my reality.
3. We Treat Rest Like a Reward Instead of a Need
“I’ll relax when I finish this project.” “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”
Sound familiar?
Newsflash: You can’t run on empty.
- Schedule rest like it’s a meeting because it is important.
- Try the 5-5-5 Rule. 5 mins of deep breathing, 5 mins of stretching, 5 mins of doing nothing.
- Repeat after me… “Rest is productive.”
4. We Ignore Our Bodies Until They Scream at Us
Headaches. Tight shoulders. That constant pit in your stomach. Your body tells you when you’re stressed, but we just ignore it.
- Set a Body Check-In alarm 2x/day. Ask yourself, “Where am I holding tension?”
- Try progressive muscle relaxation. Clench/release each muscle group – it works wonders.
5. We Think Self-Care Means Bubble Baths
Yes, baths are great, but real self-care is setting boundaries, saying no, and not feeling guilty for taking up space.
- Say no to one thing this week that drains you.
- Write a Permission Slip. E.g., “I’m allowed to cancel plans if I’m exhausted.”.
- Do one thing just because it feels good. No shoulds allowed.
5 Tiny Mental Health Boosts That Actually Work
1. The Dopamine Menu
Feeling blah? Pick one thing from this list:
- Dance to one song
- Pet an animal. Yours, a friend’s, or strategically visit a pet store.
- Eat a snack slowly. Savor it like it’s your last meal.
2. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Trick
Overwhelmed? Name:
- 5 things you see
- 4 things you feel
- 3 things you hear
- 2 things you smell
- 1 thing you taste
3. The Messy First Draft Journal Method
If you’re stressed, open a notebook and vomit your thoughts. No grammar. No filter. Just release.
You can burn it after if you want.
4. The “Fake It Till You Feel It” Power Pose
Stand like a superhero (hands on hips, chest out) for 2 minutes. Science says it actually reduces stress.
5. The Treat Yourself Like a Friend Test
Ask yourself… What would I tell my best friend if they felt like this?
Then, do that for yourself.
You Can Feel Better
Mental health isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about showing up for yourself – messy, tired, and perfectly imperfect.
So today, pick one tiny thing from this list.
Just one.
Because small steps add up and you’re worth the effort.
And if you need a little extra support? The Balance Me App is like a gentle nudge from your future, calmer self, with gentle reminders, places suggestions, and zero judgment.