Why Mental Health in Construction Matters
When you think of the construction industry, wellness probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Risk factors like tight deadlines, high-pressure decisions, work-related stress, financial stress, and the physical demands of the job often push health—especially mental health in construction—to the sidelines.
At this year’s Sunbelt Builders Show, I turned that narrative on its head. In my talk, The Well-Built Builder, I shared a message that I’ve learned the hard way and is too often rare in construction culture: boundaries create freedom.
Learning from Experience
After more than two decades in the industry, I’ve lived through the typical burnout cycles—overworking, blurred work-life lines, always being “on.” But thanks to my upbringing, I knew it didn’t have to be that way.
My parents, also in construction, worked incredibly hard but still protected long weekends and family time. That model of balance stayed with me, even during the busiest seasons of me career! I’m better at my job when I protect my personal life. Boundaries aren’t just good for me—they’re good for my business.
One of my non-negotiables is being home by 5 p.m., picking up my kids, and sitting down to dinner at 5:30. After that, work stays at work. Because years from now, I won’t remember answering an email at 7 p.m.—I’ll remember playing with my kids.
Why Boundaries Work in Business
Some might think that turning down work or refusing a meeting time could hurt business, but I’ve found the opposite is true. Early in my career, a colleague shared with me one of his biggest regrets—three years of meeting a client every Saturday at 1 p.m., at the expense of family.
Not long after, I faced a similar request from a potential client for evening and weekend meetings. It was the largest project of my career, but I held firm on my schedule. A week later, the client hired me—not in spite of my boundaries, but because of them.
Practical Wellness for Builders
My advice for improving mental health in construction isn’t complicated—it’s consistent.
Time-block your schedule so work-related stressors don't consume every corner of your day.
Go to bed early to protect your energy and focus (sleep is excellent risk mitigation for mental health disorders).
Eat clean and stay hydrated to keep your body running at its best.
Turn off notifications—my phone only rings for actual calls! Trust me, you don't need job stressors following you around 24/7.
Take real weekends off to recharge and reset.
And perhaps most importantly: You’re not meant to be ‘on’ all the time. The hammer will still be there tomorrow. Put it down and live your life.
Building Community, Not Just Homes
Another critical part of wellness is the peer support, namely the company you keep. Show me your five best friends, and I’ll show you your future. You have to be intentional to surround yourself with other builders and leaders who value collaboration over competition—through groups that provide community and mental health support like the Contractor Coalition, the Curious Builder Collective, Sauna Camp, and Boot Camp.
These communities aren’t just about networking—they’re about creating a healthier, more sustainable way to work in an industry that’s historically been high-pressure and isolated.
Want to learn more about the boot camp? This blog has the details!
The Power of Misogi
Part of my approach to wellness is shaped by a Japanese concept called misogi: a once-a-year challenge you commit to that has a 50% chance of failure. Whatever it is, it has to be difficult and something brand new for you.
This year, my personal misogi is running 100 miles—a goal that’s influenced my training, my nutrition, and how I structure my days. My business misogi was launching Mysa Hus, a wellness-focused show home. Both required me to say “no” to distractions and “yes” only to what aligned with my goals!
The Bigger Goal
For me, this isn’t just a one-time conference topic. Anyone who follows the Curious Builder Podcast knows that this topic is close to my heart. Events like Sauna Camp and Boot Camp aim to help us all embrace a more holistic version of this job.
We're in the midst of a mental health crisis and construction professionals aren't immune to these mental health challenges. If we prioritize mental, physical, and relational wellness, we’ll build better lives—not just better homes.
