What is a common mistake people make when it comes to mental wellness, and what are some practical tips people can adopt to better manage daily stress?

This article is authored and contributed by Dr. David Teo Choon Liang, Senior Consultant, Psychiatrist at Connections MindHealth | A clinic partner of Fullerton Health

A common mistake people make when it comes to mental wellness is thinking that mental health only matters when something is "wrong."

Many people only pay attention to their mental wellbeing when they feel burnt out, anxious, or overwhelmed. By then, stress has often been building quietly for some time.

In reality, mental wellness is something we need to care for every day, just like our physical health. Small, regular habits matter — getting enough sleep, setting healthy boundaries, staying connected with people who matter, and allowing ourselves moments to pause and reflect. When we treat mental wellbeing as part of daily life rather than a crisis response, we build resilience and protect our long-term health.

A practical way to include this into daily life is by taking short "power breaks" throughout the day.

In my clinical work, a pattern I frequently observe — especially among high-functioning professionals — is the habit of powering through and telling themselves, "I’ll rest later." Meetings, emails, and family responsibilities fill the day, with rest postponed until night. In the short run, this can feel manageable. Over time, however, it often leads to exhaustion and burnout.

No one can sprint indefinitely. A kinder and more sustainable approach is to build small pauses into the rhythm of the day — stepping away from the screen, taking a short walk, going to a park or roof garden to catch a breather and notice what’s around you, or briefly checking in with a colleague or friend.

Another simple pause that is always available is mindful breathing.

Mindful breathing is a basic yet powerful mindfulness practice. It involves gently bringing your attention to your breath — its natural rhythm and flow, and the sensations you notice with each inhale and exhale. You don’t need special equipment or a quiet room. Simply pause for a moment. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and breathe out gently through your mouth or nose. Notice how your chest or abdomen rises and falls. When your mind inevitably wanders, gently guide it back to the next breath, without judgement. Even one or two minutes can make a difference.

The breath works well because it is always with us. It acts as an anchor — something we can return to whenever we feel stressed, overwhelmed, or carried away by difficult thoughts or emotions. By slowing and noticing the breath, we signal safety to the nervous system. Heart rate eases, muscles soften, and the mind becomes clearer.

Practised regularly, these small moments help reduce daily stress, improve emotional balance, and support sustainable wellbeing over time.