The Importance Of A Mental Health Day
Life can get pretty hectic at times, and when it does, we can start to feel stressed. This is partly because too much work or too many other things clogging up our weekly schedule can leave us feeling drained and tired. Anxiety can set in, as well as depression for some people. Of course, there are ways to relieve feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Regular exercise is a good idea, and there are products on the market that we can take, such as CBD Oil and even Chamomile Tea. But for the long term benefits to our mental wellbeing, we should also take time out to recharge our batteries. Such time out is often called a ‘mental health day,’ where we do those things that relax and calm us. Keep reading to find out more about The Importance Of A Mental Health Day.
Signs You Need To Take A Mental Health Day
We can all recognise the signs that something is physically wrong with us, but what about our mental health? How do we know when something is wrong? Well, if any of the following are true, now might be the time to schedule in a mental health day.
- You are feeling more anxious than normal
- You are constantly feeling tired
- You are suffering from low moods, perhaps linked to seasonal affective disorder
- You’re feeling physically tense
- You are becoming unusually impatient with others
- You are struggling to sleep
- Your body is showing physical signs of stress
These are just some of the signs that suggest a mental health day could be important for you. In some cases, you might also need to see your doctor for advice and support, so don’t put off that phone call if you feel particularly distressed.
Planning For A Mental Health Day
If you need time off for yourself, you have to make it happen. This means letting your employer know that you need time off, perhaps via a sick day. There’s no shame in letting them know that you are mentally unwell, and if they’re considerate of your needs, they should agree to time off for you. If not, you might have to book a vacation day or use part of your weekend for your rest.
You should also remove anything else from your schedule, being mindful to say ‘no’ to any requests that could interfere with your mental health day. Let your family and friends know that you need time to yourself, unless you intend to spend some time relaxing in their company.
What To Do On A Mental Health Day
You should do whatever gives you mental rest. So, you mightβ¦
- Take an Epsom salt bath
- Go for a nature walk
- Book yourself a massage
- Spend time with a relaxing hobby
- Watch something that makes you laugh
- Sleep if you need that extra shut-eye
Here are some other ways to spend a mental health day.
Practically speaking, you should also
- Unplug from anything work-related
- Avoid the people who add to your stress
- Tidy your home of any messy distractions (perhaps do this the day before)
Finally
There isn’t the stigma that there used to be surrounding mental health problems, so don’t be afraid of opening up if you’re suffering in any way. It’s important to take care of yourself, so don’t hesitate to share your need for a mental health day with those you are close to. Schedule that day in as soon as you are able and then make it a habit to implement self-care on a regular basis. Such days will do you a world of good, giving you the opportunity to energise and refresh yourself, ready for whatever life throws at you.
