LESSONS FROM DANIEL’S ROUTINE
Did you know?
About 15% of the world’s adolescents have a mental health condition. (ProjectHOPE, 2024)
Around 1 in 7 young people ages 10 to 19 have a mental health condition. (ProjectHOPE, 2024)
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men from all walks of life. If left untreated or at its worst, depression can lead to suicide, which claims more than 700,000 lives every year. (ProjectHOPE, 2024)
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships, and shape our world. Mental health is an essential human right crucial to personal, community, and socio-economic development.
Amidst these, what is God’s provision for us regarding our mental health? It’s found in 2 Timothy 1:17, which says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind.”
Mental Health in the Workplace
According to statistics from the International Labour Organisation, almost 60% of the world’s population is working, and more than half of the global workforce works in the informal economy, where there is no regulatory protection for health and safety.
Let me tell you about a man named Daniel, a man who managed to balance his responsibilities, daily routines, and mental well-being amidst the pressures of life. Sit back, and let’s learn together.
So, Daniel in Daniel 6:10 knew when to pray, when to work, and how to structure his time for a meaningful, balanced life. He stood out among his peers not just because he held firm to his values but because he was assertive, decisive, and intentional about setting boundaries, an understanding that came from embracing the truth that real success comes from knowing when to work and when to step back to recharge.
I know that for you, being a dedicated entrepreneur, start-up builder, or diligent corporate professional, as Proverbs 29:11 celebrates, is admirable, but remember that drive and dedication should never come at the expense of your mental health.
Real success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about thriving in the process, and that’s one thing I admire Daniel for.
Risks to mental health at work may be related to job content or schedule, specific workplace characteristics, or opportunities for career development.
Some of the risks of mental health at work, as given by WHO, include underuse of skills or being underskilled for work; excessive workloads or work pace; understaffing; long, unsocial, or inflexible hours; lack of control over job design or workload; violence, harassment, or bullying; discrimination and exclusion; job insecurity, inadequate pay, or poor investment in career development, etc. Daniel must have experienced many of these risks, yet he was still considered an excellent person privileged to receive divine secrets from God. How did he scale through?
Applying Daniel’s Routine to Your Work Life in Today’s World
1. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Well-being
Just as Daniel knew when to withdraw and pray, you, too, need to set boundaries between work and personal time. Define your work hours, guard your downtime, and protect your peace. This doesn’t mean you’re doing less; it means you’re preserving your energy to do more and to do it well.
2. Create a Balanced Routine in a 24/7 World
Where remote work and flexible schedules often mean longer hours, maintaining balance is crucial. Be intentional about taking breaks, spending time with family, and even planning holidays. This balance will not only make you more productive but also help enable resilience, which is best when you’re well-rested and refreshed.
3. Make Confident, Value-Based Decisions Despite External Pressures
Daniel was respected for his clarity and decisiveness—qualities we all need in a world of competing demands. Set clear priorities, and don’t hesitate to say ‘no’ when necessary. Even when faced with high expectations, staying aligned with your core values reduces stress, fosters respect, and helps you focus on what truly matters. This strength enables you to handle the complex work-life choices many people face today.
4. Live life per time
Today’s workplaces often push for quick wins and constant results, but mental health is a long-term investment that shouldn’t be compromised. Like Daniel, who prioritised integrity and well-being, you should also consider these. Step back for a breather, or schedule regular breaks to replenish and celebrate your small wins on the way to your long-term goals. Mental health, once depleted, is challenging to regain—safeguard it by balancing intense work with meaningful rest. Remember, success is far more satisfying when achieved with a healthy mind and body.
By choosing to protect your mental health, you’re not just preventing burnout; you’re building a foundation of resilience and meaningful success. By putting your well-being first, you build a legacy of resilience, purpose, and lasting achievement.
Choose balance. Embrace rest. Thrive in today’s world.