By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In an era of constant connectivity and high-performance expectations, taking time to slow down is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. But according to Mouvement Santé mentale Québec, it is a vital act of self-care that can help manage the rising tide of collective anxiety. As spokesperson Joséphine Tschirhart explained in a recent interview, the organization is launching a campaign to encourage people to recognize the importance of recharging their mental batteries.
“We work in mental health prevention and promotion,” said Tschirhart. “Every year, we launch a campaign focused on how to protect, develop, and reinforce our mental health. This year, we’re talking about how to take a step back, take breaks, and manage the challenges of living in a fast-paced, high-performance society.”
The campaign, titled “Reenergize: Discover What Recharges Your Battery,” will officially launch on March 13, the National Day for the Promotion of Positive Mental Health. It aims to provide tools and strategies to help individuals build moments of rest into their daily routines. The initiative is based on research indicating that prolonged exposure to stress and anxiety-inducing news, coupled with the demands of multitasking, can deplete mental energy reserves and lead to burnout.
A growing concern – The human energy crisis
According to a Léger survey commissioned by the Association pour la santé publique du Québec, 38 per cent of workers and students believe they are at risk of burnout if they continue at their current pace. The study also found that over half of Quebecers wish to slow down their lifestyle, a figure that rises to 76 per cent among students and 68 per cent among parents.
Tschirhart highlighted that society is facing what mental health experts call a “human energy crisis.” The constant interruptions of modern life, from work demands to social media notifications, weaken attention spans and increase stress levels. Research from Laval University found that the average workweek has increased by 3.3 hours in recent years, exacerbating stress and limiting people’s ability to recharge. This relentless pace, experts say, is taking a toll on relationships, social lives, and overall well-being.
Professor Jean-Pierre Després of Laval University’s Department of Kinesiology and Scientific Director of the VITAM – Centre de recherche en santé durable, warns that “we have built a society that is incompatible with human health. We overuse our mental energy just as we overuse the planet’s resources.”
When to take a step back
One of the key messages of the campaign is that self-care should not be viewed as an emergency measure but rather as a routine practice. “People tend to step back only when it’s already a little too late,” said Tschirhart. “What we’re trying to convey is that you don’t need to wait until you’re overwhelmed to take care of yourself. It’s about incorporating small, intentional breaks into daily life.”
To help individuals recognize when they need to slow down, the campaign encourages mindfulness and self-reflection. “We often don’t notice when our energy is depleting,” Tschirhart explained. “Sometimes, we don’t realize we’re running on empty until we hit a wall.”
Mouvement Santé mentale Québec suggests integrating short but meaningful breaks throughout the day. “It could be something as simple as listening to music while cooking, really taking time to enjoy that morning coffee, stepping outside for a short walk, or even just pausing to breathe between tasks,” she said. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters is finding what works for you.”
Redefining rest – Moving beyond performance culture
Mouvement Santé mentale Québec also encourages people to rethink societal attitudes toward rest. “We are so often caught in a culture of performance that even when we talk about self-care, we frame it as something that has to be optimized,” said Tschirhart. “But taking a break isn’t about being your ‘best self.’ It’s about making space for yourself in a way that feels natural.”
This shift in perspective is crucial, as many feel pressure to be productive even in their downtime. The campaign emphasizes that rest does not have to be structured or goal-oriented—it simply needs to be a moment of genuine pause.
To support this message, the campaign will provide resources tailored to different groups, including students, parents, and workplaces. These materials will include facilitation guides, videos, and interactive activities designed to help individuals assess their relationship with performance culture and develop sustainable habits for mental well-being.
A call to action
The official launch event will take place on March 13 at La Maison du développement durable in Montreal, with an option to attend online. The event will include workshops and discussions on how societal expectations contribute to mental overload and how individuals can reclaim their time.
Tschirhart emphasized that there are many ways to recharge, and people should explore what works best for them. “For some, it might be spending time in nature. For others, it could be cooking, journaling, or simply sitting in silence,” she said. Some doctors even prescribe time in nature as a treatment for stress and anxiety due to its well-documented benefits on mental and physical health.
Mouvement Santé mentale Québec is making a wide range of tools available to help people incorporate these ideas into their daily lives. Resources such as a workplace guide, a booklet for families, and even a tabletop sign reading “Recharge in progress, do not disturb” are accessible through their website.
Beyond the campaign launch, Mouvement Santé mentale Québec continues to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote mental well-being across communities. “Everything you need to know is on our website,” said Tschirhart, directing those interested to Mouvement SMQ’s online platform for further details.