Frequently Asked Questions

What is Recharge about?

Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery, One Conversation at a Time explores the effects of stress on our mental health and offers ways to manage it. Through candid conversations with a diverse group of thought leaders—such as actor Randall Park, rapper Macklemore, and former Apple CEO John Sculley—David explores the challenges of work-life balance, emotional well-being, and mental resilience.

These conversations cover topics like coping with anxiety, enhancing the mind-body connection, and handling stress management in personal and professional settings. While Recharge offers tools for self-care and meaningful conversation, it’s designed to complement—not replace—professional mental health support.

Who is David Ko?

David Ko is the CEO of Calm, a leading company in mental health and mindfulness. With a background in technology and healthcare, including previous roles at Rally Health and on Wall Street, David brings a unique perspective to his work at Calm. His journey with mental health began as a teenager experiencing panic attacks, and he’s passionate about supporting others on their mental health journey. This personal mission inspired him to write Recharge, where he shares insights from his experiences and offers strategies to help individuals “take care of their brain”—or, as he puts it, the “battery that powers our lives.”

What is the ‘battery’ metaphor?

David uses the metaphor of a battery to describe mental health in relatable terms. Just as phone batteries need recharging, so do our mental “batteries.” Checking in on your own “charge level” throughout the day helps you assess your mental energy and recognize when it’s time to take a break or try a stress management technique. Everyone’s “battery” is different, so a 75% charge for one person might feel vastly different for another. This concept gives readers a simple way to monitor their mental wellness and stay mindful of when they need a recharge.

Why did David Ko write Recharge?

David’s inspiration for writing Recharge stemmed from having panic attacks at a young age and not knowing what they were or how to deal with them. He wanted to talk about it in hopes to make it easier to talk about mental health, especially in the workplace. Recharge is based on David’s own experiences, as well as insights from people across industries, all of whom share a commitment to improving emotional resilience and mental wellness.

What are some of the key topics discussed in the book?

In Recharge, David covers essential topics in mental health, such as the mind-body connection, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene, and workplace wellness. He shares strategies for reducing stress and anxiety, maintaining work-life balance, and managing challenging experiences, including loss and addiction. The book includes advice for building emotional well-being, mindfulness practices, and even ways to approach mental health conversations at home and at work.

How can I apply the concepts in Recharge to my own life?

You can use Recharge to improve various aspects of life. David explains the science of stress and its effects on both body and mind, encouraging readers to monitor their mental “battery” and take regular breaks to recharge. The book suggests self-care strategies like improving sleep hygiene, practicing mindfulness, and incorporating gratitude and movement into daily routines. David also emphasizes the importance of keeping recharges simple, easy and accessible. Small “minibreaks” throughout the day to manage stress and stay energized can be as easy as calling a friend or going outside to feel the sun on your face.

Does Recharge offer specific advice for different mental health conditions?

Recharge focuses on general stress management and anxiety relief but does not offer clinical advice for complex mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or PTSD. Instead, David provides techniques to manage common challenges like burnout and anxiety, and he encourages readers dealing with specific conditions to seek out professional resources for specialized support. The book includes an appendix with additional mental health resources and organizations that can offer help for more complex needs.

What are some ways to improve mental health in the workplace?

David encourages leaders to promote workplace wellness by creating a culture of psychological safety,open communication and good stress – the stress that challenges employees and helps them grow.h. He believes that mindful leadership involves normalizing conversations about mental well-being and showing empathy toward employees’ unique needs.

How can I have difficult conversations about mental health with others?

Recharge includes tips for approaching mental health discussions with empathy and honesty. David recommends starting with just asking “what’s your battery level?” Open-ended questions and listening help create a safe space for people to share. . He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and active listening, suggesting that sharing your own experiences can make these conversations more approachable. For meaningful dialogues, David encourages readers to let go of judgments and to focus on supporting one another in a compassionate way.

What is David Ko’s vision for the future of mental health?

David envisions a world where mental health awareness is normalized and openly discussed across all areas of life. He believes technology can play a role in expanding access to mental health resources but also recognizes the impact of digital wellness on mental well-being. David advocates for building a sense of community and fostering mental health discussions as a way to empower individuals to take care of their mental health just as they would their physical health.

What can leaders learn from Recharge?

Leaders can learn how to prioritize their own mental well-being while creating a supportive environment for their teams. Recharge emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience, stress management, and self-care—not only as personal practices but also as organizational values. David provides practical strategies to help leaders improve their mental clarity, avoid burnout, and maintain productivity while fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported. By leading with empathy, vulnerability, and mindfulness, leaders can model healthy behaviors that set the tone for their teams and organizations.

Why should CEOs care about mental health?

CEOs should care about mental health because the well-being of their employees directly impacts productivity, engagement, and overall business success. Research shows that stress, burnout, and poor mental health can lead to absenteeism, reduced creativity, and higher turnover rates (see research page for studies). By prioritizing mental health, CEOs not only improve employee satisfaction and retention but also enhance the overall performance and innovation of their organizations. Furthermore, CEOs who lead with empathy and create an environment that supports mental wellness inspire trust, build stronger teams, and set a positive example for both their employees and other leaders in the industry. Investing in mental health isn’t just good for individuals—it’s good for business.