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One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to take care of your mental health. Making a commitment to your mind can allow you to feel revitalized and ready for whatever lies ahead.
In today’s fast-paced world, taking a break is essential for your wellbeing. While knowing when to take a sick day is usually easy, realizing when your brain needs a break can be trickier, according to Real Simple. Fortunately, a mental health day can offer an opportunity to unplug, rejuvenate, and regain focus.
Why You Deserve a Mental Health Day
So how do you know you’re in need of a mental health day? If you’re feeling more irritable than usual, it could indicate higher stress levels, and it might be the right moment for some intentional time off. Look out for feeling overwhelmed from small setbacks. For instance, if a traffic jam feels like it’s the end of the world, it might signal your system needs a pause.
If your mind feels foggy, it could also be a gentle sign your brain is calling for some rest. Feeling indifferent to what you previously were passionate about may also indicate that you need to prioritize your mental and emotional wellbeing. If casual conversations begin to feel draining, it may also point to an overstimulated nervous system and a need for a break.
Changes in your routine, including oversleeping or not getting enough, can reflect emotional strain. Similarly, eating much more or less than usual is a common symptom of stress, anxiety, or depression, and often signals that you need to take care of your nervous system.
How to Take the Break You Need
With much of the world prioritizing staying busy, you might find yourself feeling guilty for taking a mental health day. However, a reframe on taking time is to view it as a form of preventative care, Kristin Papa, a licensed clinical social worker, tells Real Simple.
So how do you get a much-needed mental reset? Setting clear boundaries, whether you’re taking a mental health break from work or at home, can help you take time off. Let your loved ones know you won’t be available unless it’s urgent. You can also set your phone to do-not-disturb and turn off notifications. You can start carving out this crucial time before you leave the office — by asking colleagues what they’ll need in advance and providing an email address of coworkers people can contact while you’re away, TODAY reports.
Finally, it’s important to tailor your mental health day to your needs and design your day accordingly ahead of time if possible. For many people, spending time outdoors and making time for movement and social connection can be of great help. Kristina Hallett, Ph.D., a board-certified clinical psychologist and author, suggests planning activities where you get “lost in the flow,” according to TODAY.
The Benefits of Recharging Your Mind
Taking a day off for your mental wellbeing can offer many rewards. It can help you feel less burnt out and increase your productivity, boost your mood, and allow you to feel more resilient and able to overcome hurdles. Taking a mental health day is also an important preventative measure for lowering the likelihood of experiencing a mental health crisis in the future, and can make a positive difference through helping you physically feel better.
So remember, working without breaks doesn’t necessarily equate to being productive. “It’s important to have opportunities to rest and reflect and recharge. It’s a mistake to think that more hours worked equals more productivity,” says Leah Weiss, Ph.D., author and a Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer. “Our bodies and minds are not meant to push constantly,” she adds.
Give yourself permission to take a mental health day without guilt. Plan activities and your time for what could help you reset. It may be exactly what you need to feel calm, lower your stress levels, and leave you feeling refreshed.
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