I love the summer for so many reasons. You won’t find me moaning when we have the odd spot of hot weather — I’ve seen what it’s like when it’s knee-deep in snow and I’m out there digging the car free.
As I keep reminding my neighbour: less traffic, kids off school, students back home… what’s not to like?
But even in these lighter months, resilience has a way of sneaking into the spotlight.
The football season hasn’t even kicked off yet, but congratulations are for the Lionesses — winning the Euros again. They didn’t play their best, but they dug deep, adapted, and found a way through. That’s resilience.
It’s also in the quiet moments, when you realise “switching off” isn’t as simple as closing a laptop.
And it’s in the questions technology forces us to ask — like whether a chatbot can truly understand what it means to be human.
Here’s what’s inside this month’s edition:
✍️ From the Blog
💼 Rust-Out vs Burnout: Bored at Work? When work stops challenging you, it’s not always a blessing — it can be just as damaging as burnout. Here’s how to spot the signs of rust-out, and what to do before boredom starts eroding your wellbeing.
Because whether it’s in sport, the workplace, or our personal lives, the real question isn’t “Can we keep going?” — it’s “Can we keep going well?”
🌍 New Feature: Resilience at the Edge
Each month, we’ll share stories you won’t see on the front page—but you’ll feel in your bones.
This Month: Be honest… how much of your day do you actually control?
You start with a plan. Then the pings, emails, and “quick questions” pile up. You open one tab and — boom — it’s 5pm. No wonder you collapse on the sofa at night with zero energy for the things (or people) that matter.
Here’s the scary truth: the average adult can only stay in deep focus for 20–25 minutes before it starts to slip. And in today’s world, we’re blasted with the equivalent of 174 newspapers’ worth of information every single day. Your brain is constantly on defence.
That’s why I’m trialling Brain.fm — a neuroscience-backed music app that helps you take back the spotlight. In Focus mode, it can lock you in for hours. In Relax or Sleep mode, it helps you switch off and recover. Fast.
“It helps me stay focused over longer periods of time when the world around me screams and chaos wants to slow me down.” — Brain.fm user
💬 Your Challenge: If you could win back just ONE extra hour of deep focus tomorrow, what would you do with it?
Tip to Try: 🎧 Test Brain.fm for free and feel the difference → brain.fm
Sometimes it’s not more hours you need — it’s more from the hours you already have.
Current articles
💼 The Gen Z Disengagement Wave: What 91% Are Trying to Tell Us
This isn’t laziness — it’s a red flag for every leader. Ignore it, and you risk losing more than just your youngest staff.
🤖 When Therapy Turns Into an App… Where’s the Line?
It’s fast, it’s cheap, and it’s available 24/7 — but should you trust an AI chatbot with your mental health? This month’s feature dives into the promise and danger of replacing human connection with algorithms, the BBC story that stopped me in my tracks, and why I built Calmback to support people, not replace them.
Burnout gets the headlines — but rust-out, where boredom and lack of purpose slowly erode your drive, can be just as dangerous. Learn how to spot it early and take back your motivation.
If you’re a: ✔ HR Manager looking to boost morale and confidence in your team ✔ HR Director dedicated to fostering a mentally healthy workplace ✔ Business owner who truly cares about employee well-being … then this course is for you!
🌟 What learners are saying:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Mental Health First Aider course! It was not only informative but also empowering. The instructor, Mike’s expertise and engaging teaching style made the content relatable and easy to understand. Their ability to facilitate discussions while ensuring everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts was commendable. Thank you for such a transformative experience! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We deeply appreciate your efforts in delivering high-quality mental health training and the positive impact you’re making.”
This feedback exemplifies our core values at MHFA England, and we thank you for being an invaluable part of our community.
⏳ Seats are limited. Don’t be the one who walks away.
📚 What I’m Reading, Watching & Listening To 🎧🎬
You know that feeling when a book, podcast, or film completely shifts your perspective? Or when you binge on something so good, you immediately want to tell everyone about it?
Well, this is that space. Whether it’s a mind-blowing book, a documentary I can’t stop talking about, or a podcast that made me rethink everything, here’s what’s been filling my brain (and occasionally distracting me from work).
Curious? Dive in. 👇
📚
The Four Agreements
📖 Don Miguel Ruiz
A modern classic blending ancient wisdom with practical guidance. Four simple principles—✨ be impeccable with your word, 💬 don’t take things personally, 🤔 avoid assumptions, 🌟 always do your best. A clear path to more freedom and peace.
🎬
What I’m Watching
🎬 When Saturday Comes
Football hopeful Jimmy Muir (Sean Bean) has one shot to escape his grim Northern town life. I attended Sheffield Film Festival’s anniversary screening, complete with a Q&A featuring Tony Currie, Mel Sterland, the director, and some of the original cast — a proper celebration of a Sheffield classic.
🎧
What I’m Listening to
🎧 Jourds — Capital XTRA
My daughter, live on air at Global’s studio in Leicester Square, London — serving up R&B, hip hop, and soul on Capital XTRA. I got to watch her in action, and yes, it was another proud dad moment.
💫 That’s a wrap for August.
From the risks of replacing human connection with AI, to the grit of Sheffield’s football dreams, and the joy of seeing my daughter behind the mic — I hope something here spoke to you.
Maybe it made you think about where technology fits in your own wellbeing.
Maybe it reminded you that resilience comes in many forms — on the pitch, in the studio, or in the everyday grind.
Or maybe it was just the nudge you needed to check in with someone today.
Whatever it was — don’t keep it to yourself.
Hit reply, drop me a message, or share it with someone who might need it.
Until next time, take care of your mind, stay close to your people, and remember:
Real change starts with one brave step.
With strength and solidarity,
Mike
Let’s Stay Connected! 🔗💬
💡 Want more insights, updates, and mental health, resilience, and well-being discussions? Let’s connect!
Follow along, comment, or share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you! 💬🔥
Hi, I’m Mike Lawrence, and I’m dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve committed to a journey of self-improvement and helping others. My adventures range from thrilling skydives for charity to transformative travels in Thailand. I share insights from my experiences and key learnings from impactful audiobooks. Join me in exploring holistic health and wellbeing, and let’s embrace life’s adventures together!
Feel free to connect with me through email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or LinkedIn. For more detailed insights and stories from Mike, click here to read the latest blogs.
