How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day
Why are mental health days important?
"Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you." - Katie Reed.
Dealing with stress is a part of life that affects everyone, but it can be especially challenging to manage when you're also dealing with symptoms of depression or anxiety. If you find that your stress levels have become overwhelming, it might be time to take a mental health day.
Taking a mental health day means taking a break from work or school and minimising your commitments and responsibilities. This gives you the opportunity to focus on relieving stress, relaxing, having fun, and preventing burnout.
What are the signs that indicate it’s time to take a mental health day?
When you start experiencing decreased motivation, negative thoughts, and physical or mental exhaustion, it's important to recognise these as potential signs of burnout. Taking a mental health day off work or school can help you reset and recharge.
If you feel like you're not acting like yourself and are finding it difficult to complete your day-to-day tasks, chances are you may be experiencing burnout. Recognising these signs and taking proactive steps to address them can help prevent further burnout and promote better mental health.
Benefits of a mental health day off
Taking a mental health day off work can bring a host of benefits to your well-being. In today's fast-paced world, juggling different roles and responsibilities can take a toll on your physical and emotional health, leaving you feeling drained and overwhelmed. By taking time for yourself, you can recharge your batteries, clear your mind, and focus on the things that bring you joy and relaxation. Additionally, taking a mental health day can help you improve your sleep quality, process your emotions, and reduce stress levels. It's important to prioritise your own well-being and take a break when needed to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Choose your mental health day off work.
How can you request a mental health day off work? Consider these options:
• Use a sick day. You could simply state, "I'd like to use one of my remaining sick days this month." If you prefer not to explain further, you can say, "I'm not feeling well today and need to take the day off." In either case, you can consider this day off as a mental health day.
• Use your paid time off (PTO) or vacation days. You can say, "I will be taking a PTO day," without disclosing why. You have the right to keep this information private.
• Take a mental health day on a day that you already have off. If someone asks what you'll be doing, you can decide whether or not you want to share that you're taking a mental health day. You can simply say that you'll be spending time with family or relaxing at home.
How to spend your mental health day off work
Taking a mental health day often involves giving yourself time to unwind and destress. This may include spending hours in your pyjamas binge-watching your favourite TV show or simply taking it easy around the house. While some relaxation activities may require a bit of effort initially, they can be incredibly soothing and rejuvenating once completed.
Consider trying out these activities:
• Participating in a yoga class
• Indulging in a massage
• Swimming some laps
• Going for a nature walk
The goal is to spend your time doing an activity that helps you relax, whether it's taking a scenic hike, exploring a museum, or curling up with a good book.
Things to avoid on your mental health day off.
To truly recharge during a mental health day, it's important to avoid activities that can interfere with your well-being, such as smoking, drinking, or using other substances, overeating unhealthy foods, ruminating on negative emotions, or spending excessive time on social media. Instead, focus on activities that promote your physical and mental wellness, such as catching up on rest, engaging in a favourite hobby, or spending quality time with a supportive friend. Remember, the goal is to prioritise your self-care and come back refreshed and ready to take on life's challenges.
While a single day off may not solve the deeper issues that contribute to burnout, taking a mental health day can provide a much-needed chance to step back, regroup, and return with renewed energy and a fresh perspective that's less bogged down by stress.