Each October, organizations worldwide pause to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month a reminder that well-being extends beyond physical health. At Bateriku, this reminder resonates deeply with our culture of care.

As a company built on helping others get back on the road, we understand that true service begins with the people behind the brand, our employees. To honor this month, we organized an internal virtual session titled “Care for Mind & You”, featuring Dr. Faridah binti Mohd Zain, Consultant Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine Physician from MSU Medical Centre Shah Alam.

Care for Mind & You: Bateriku’s Commitment to Mental Wellness

The session explored an increasingly relevant topic in today’s fast-paced world: managing stress and preventing burnout.

Understanding Stress and Burnout

Dr. Faridah began by defining stress as the body’s natural response to tension or pressure. It’s a necessary mechanism but when unmanaged, it can become overwhelming and harmful.

Internal Stressors

Stress can stem from both physical and mental factors:

• Physical stressors: fatigue, illness, or physical limitations.
• Mental stressors: personality traits, self-expectations, and negative thought patterns.

Workplace Stressors

In the workplace, stress can be amplified by:

• Interpersonal conflicts.
• Poor organization and unclear roles.
• Multitasking and constant deadlines.
• Physical discomfort or lack of rest.

When these stressors accumulate, they can lead to decreased productivity, disengagement, and eventually, burnout.

Stress vs. Burnout: Knowing the Difference

Although often linked, stress and burnout are distinct experiences. Dr. Faridah emphasized that understanding the difference allows us to respond more effectively.

Stress

• Affects the body first.
• Triggers restlessness, overactivity, and fatigue.
• Can develop into anxiety disorders if ignored.

Burnout

• Affects the mind first.
• Creates emotional numbness, helplessness, and a sense of emptiness.
• Can lead to depression and loss of purpose.

In short, stress makes us over-engaged, while burnout makes us disengaged. Recognizing these warning signs early can prevent deeper mental health challenges.

The Health Impact of Stress and Burnout

Prolonged stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” system. Over time, this can cause:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Suppressed digestion and immunity.
• Higher risk of chronic illnesses.

The body’s natural defense system becomes overworked affecting not only our physical health but also our focus, relationships, and emotional balance.

That is why stress management is not a luxury it is a necessity.

Managing Stress: From Awareness to Action

Dr. Faridah shared actionable methods to manage stress both immediately and long term.

The 10B Short-Term Strategy

1. Bertenang – Stay calm.
2. Bernafas dengan dalam – Take deep, steady breaths.
3. Berkata relakslah – Remind yourself to relax.
4. Beribadat – Strengthen spiritual connection.
5. Bercakap dengan seseorang – Talk to someone you trust.
6. Berurut – Relieve physical tension.
7. Berehat & mendengar muzik – Take breaks and listen to soothing music.
8. Beriadah – Engage in leisure activities.
9. Bersenam – Keep physically active.
10. Berfikiran positif – Cultivate positive thinking.

These simple techniques can help reset the mind and body during stressful moments.

The IDEAL Long-Term Framework

For a sustainable approach, Dr. Faridah recommended the IDEAL process:

• Identify the root cause of your stress.
• Describe possible solutions.
• Evaluate their pros and cons.
• Act on the most effective choice.
• Learn from the outcome and adjust.

By combining self-awareness with structured action, employees can gain greater control over their stress levels and build long-term resilience.

The Role of Positive Thinking

One of the session’s key takeaways was the power of mindset.

“Our thoughts determine our beliefs, our beliefs impact our feelings, our feelings influence our actions, and our actions shape our thoughts again.” - Dr. Faridah binti Mohd Zain

This cycle shows how positivity and self-awareness can break the loop of negativity and help us respond more calmly and productively to daily challenges.

Building Better Balance Through Time Management

Managing time effectively is a critical skill in preventing burnout. Dr. Faridah highlighted several habits that help maintain balance and focus:

1. Prioritize what matters most.
2. Schedule tasks realistically.
3. Keep a to-do list to stay organized.
4. Delegate when possible.
5. Rest and recharge regularly.

Time management is not just about efficiency it is about protecting mental clarity and ensuring space for rest and recovery.

Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Performance

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Adopting good lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the impact of stress at work.

Dr. Faridah encouraged all participants to:

1. Exercise regularly to release endorphins and reduce tension.
2. Maintain a balanced diet following the Ministry of Health’s food pyramid.
3. Get restorative sleep by keeping a consistent schedule and relaxing routine.
4. Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco use, which can worsen stress levels.

Healthy habits do not just boost energy, they strengthen focus, creativity, and emotional resilience.

Why Mental Wellness Matters at Bateriku

At Bateriku, our success is powered by people from the on-ground technicians to the support teams who keep operations running smoothly.

The “Care for Mind & You” initiative reflects our belief that mental health is an integral part of organizational strength. When our employees feel supported and cared for, they are better equipped to serve customers with empathy, energy, and professionalism.

Just as we prioritize the well-being of drivers on the road, we are equally committed to the well-being of our own team. A resilient workforce is the foundation of great customer experiences.

By fostering a work culture that values openness, balance, and emotional health, we are ensuring that every member of Team Bateriku can thrive both in and outside of work.

Moving Forward: Building a Culture of Care

The “Care for Mind & You” session is just the beginning. Bateriku is continuously exploring ways to create a supportive, mindful, and inclusive workplace.

Our commitment to mental wellness aligns with our core mission, to care for people, not just vehicles. When our team members are mentally strong and emotionally grounded, that same care naturally extends to our customers and communities.

Because at Bateriku, caring for people is how we power everything we do.