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Hi Reader,

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.

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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.

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It’s also in the quiet moments, when you realise “switching off” isn’t as simple as closing a laptop.

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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.

🧠 91% of Gen Z Are Quietly Switching Off. Are We Listening?​
Why the youngest generation in the workforce is redefining ambition — and what that means for the rest of us.

🤖 Could AI Chatbots Replace Human Therapists?​
The promise, the pitfalls, and the human connection we can’t afford to lose.

📅 Mental Health First Aid Online Training — 18th–19th August​
Two days to deepen your understanding, boost your confidence, and become the person others can turn to in a crisis. Places are limited.

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.

💬 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. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article

🤖 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. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article ​

💼 Rust-Out vs Burnout: The Silent Energy Drain 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. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article

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📅 Date: Monday – Tuesday, 18th – 19th August 2025

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

💻 Format: Live, Online & Interactive

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.

📞 Call 01142 670 081 ✉️ Email ​hello@mikelawrence.co.uk​

⏳ 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. 👇

💫 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.

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