Taking space from your job, family and everyday obligations are IMPORTANT. We work ourselves to the core until we explode, and typically the majority of us are running on fumes. I would not be surprised if you too felt as if you were running on autopilot.
For years you would see people produce so much work with little rest, I feel like a decade ago people were team NO SLEEP. It was work work work and I am glad to see society for some of us is shifting the gears on what success looks like. When we put our needs last we continue to do ourselves a disservice. If we don’t make US a priority then who will? Your boss, parents, or children? Most of them (if they are not aware) may not see that you are two seconds away from exploding. YOU cannot take care of anyone from an empty cup, so in moments when things become overwhelming, it’s time to take that Mental Health Day my friend.
What is a Mental Health Day?
It’s a day you primarily deal with your emotional well-being. You use this time to focus on relieving stress, enjoying time doing something you like and most importantly relaxing. It’s a day to reset in which is something we all should do.
So when is the right time to take one?
There is no specific day when you should take a mental health day, the important thing is that you take one, especially when your stress levels are at it’s peak. So whether you want to schedule it during the week or the weekend is totally up to you. However, I would say one of the most rewarding times to take one is when you feel is best. For some people there are days that are less hectic than others, for instance on Tuesdays you may not have to run errands and the office may be a little less busy compared to a Friday workday. The reason I say this is because your return back to the office may not be as erratic if you plan accordingly.
But let’s be clear, do not think you have to schedule your Mental Health Day, sometimes we wake up and the desire to get out of bed becomes challenging. So do not feel bad if you have to call your job and say, “hey I just cannot come into the office today.”
signs that display you need to take a mental health day
Low mood
Difficulty staying on tasks
Inability to finish common tasks
Showing signs of distress
No desires in doing anything ex: like cooking, washing dishes, getting children ready for bed
When you are feeling tired, restless, and frustrated at EVERYTHING
This is for your emotional health and no one is responsible to make sure you take your mental health day but you. So when that day comes, let it be all about your well-being. It’s easy to check your email for a few minutes or answer a call regarding work, but it’s critical you allow that to take a back seat as you focus on your emotional well-being. I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH
If you are not sure if you have been showing signs of frustration ask those you are around the most. Their honesty will let you know how you have been appearing to them lately. If you do not know how to approach them you can simply say: “Hey,…so I have been thinking about taking a Mental Health Day, do you think this is something I should do? Have I been a little tensed or shown frustration more than usual?” These questions alone can spark a conversation to help you along your wellness journey.
moving forward
Now that you are aware of a Mental Health Day and know when to take one, it’s time to plan for it! Think of your schedule for the next five days, or even the next two weeks if you have to plan further ahead and put MENTAL HEALTH DAY on the calendar. As the day gets closer you may even feel some excitement about putting your health and wellness first. Let me know how it goes for you! And if you want more tips for your wellness journey check out one of our issues, we have soft-cover and digital versions available for you.
I am excited to see how it turns out for you! Keep me posted!