In this Calm In The Chaos episode, we dove deep into project management practitioners' mental health challenges, particularly during the mid-month crunch. With constant deadlines, team dynamics, and deliverables piling up, it's easy for stress and burnout to take center stage. Joined by licensed therapist Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil LCSW, specializing in workplace wellness, we explored project management practitioners' unique pressures and how to proactively check in on their mental well-being. From recognizing early signs of burnout to practical tips for setting boundaries and fostering resilience, this conversation offers actionable advice for project management professionals who want to balance productivity with peace of mind. Whether leading a high-stakes project or simply navigating daily work stress, this episode reminds you to pause, reflect, and prioritize yourself.

Episode Notes:

[00:00 - 01:56]: Intros and the "why" behind the launch of the mid-month wellness check-in series for project management professionals.

[0:157 - 4:22]: Valerie shares her observations of unique mental health challenges that project management professionals encounter compared to professionals in other roles.

[4:23 - 6:25]: Valerie shares examples of patterns or behaviors you've observed in clients who work in project management when approaching burnout.

[6:26 - 8:12]: Valerie and Michele further discuss the optics of decision fatigue and how to recognize consistent signs of experiencing burnout.

[8:13 - 10:59]: Valerie clarifies the durations of burnout based on one's approach to work and capacity levels.

[11:00 -15:51]: Valerie discusses impactful practices project management professionals can incorporate into their daily routines to protect their mental health.

[15:52 - 17:43]: Valerie shares advice on how project management professionals can intentionally address the struggle to prioritize their wellness because they feel responsible for their team's psychological safety.

[17:44 -19:34]:  Valerie and MIchele discuss actionable tasks and strategies for "staying full" and not positioning themselves to be empty and support and pour into others from being burned out.

[19:35 - 22:41]: Valerie talks about the importance of sleep and how to prepare for quality sleep throughout your day to avoid poor sleep outcomes.

[22:42 - 26:05]: Michele and Valerie discuss friendly mental health reminders on how to track your mood to navigate the holiday season and Q4 wrap-up.

[26:06 - 27:47]: Valerie provides one piece of advice, self-acceptance, and extending grace to yourself,  to every project manager professional to remember until our next mid-month check-in.

[27:48 - 29:00]: Valerie talks about cultivating wellness in the workplace.

[29:01 - 29:54]: Michele shares her thoughts on the importance of mental wellness checks.