Do you need a mental health day?

“I need a mental health day.”

We sometimes flippantly toss this statement into conversations, usually as a joke when we’re complaining about something that’s left us exasperated. But mental health days are serious matters and should be a priority, not a punchline.

Just as you take sick days to care for your physical health, it’s equally as important to take time to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. And that’s what mental health days are all about.

A mental health day is your chance to step away from life’s day-to-day stresses so that you can relax and recharge. It’s a day for you to focus solely on self-care.

If you have a demanding job or a family to care for, I know that taking a mental health day is a lot easier said than done. But the busier you are the more important it is for you to take a break!

Eventually, your hectic schedule is going to take a toll. You’re going to feel burned out and unhappy. You may start to have trouble concentrating and we all know that stress can eventually affect your physical health too. You may think you can’t take a break because you have so many responsibilities at work and at home. But you’re going to be sharper on your job and more joyful with your loved ones after you’ve taken some time to unwind. You know how the saying goes – you can’t pour from an empty cup.

After taking a break, you’ll have more clarity, creativity and productivity when you return to your regular routine. You’ll feel more of a sense of work-life balance which will make you more resilient as you get back to adulting!

How to Know If You Need a Mental Health Day

Unlike with a sick day, a cough or a sore throat won’t let us know when it’s time to take a mental health day. Chances are if you’re wondering if you need a mental health day, you probably do. But here are some tell-tale signs that you need a break:

You feel overwhelmed. Most of us have busy days but when your stress level is negatively affecting how you function day-to-day, you need a time out.

You’re always tired. If you’re feeling exhausted (physically and mentally) even after you’ve gotten 7 or 8 hours of sleep, you might be on the brink of burnout. You need to rest and rejuvenate so you can fight this fatigue.

You’re working a lot but getting little done. If you’re having trouble concentrating and completing tasks, it’s probably because you’re mentally and emotionally running on empty. A mental health day can help you find your focus once again.

You’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and sadness could all be signs that you need some self-care. You need time and space to process your emotions and to do some things that spark joy and make you feel more at peace.

Your body is sending signals. If we ignore emotional and mental issues long enough they’ll become physical problems too – headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, and even changes in appetite can be tied to stress.

You just feel meh. If you’re struggling to feel motivated to do things you were once excited about, this could be a sign that you need a mental health day to help rekindle your passion for things that were once important to you. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, use your mental health day to try something new.

You’re withdrawing from your loved ones. If you suddenly don’t want to hang out with friends and family, this may be a sign of a mental health issue. Don’t isolate yourself. Instead get the rest that you need.

Your Mental Health Day

You may think you’re too busy to take a mental health day, but do it anyway!

Cash in a sick day so you can take time off work. Lean on the help of a close family member or friend so you can get a break at home.

Hands down, my favorite way to spend a mental health day is having a full day at a Korean spa. I will NEVER say no to going into the sauna or Himalayan salt room, getting a body scrub, seaweed wrap, mani/pedi - the works! I leave feeling like a new person.

But your mental health day doesn’t need to be this elaborate. Simply, spend your day doing things that nourish you mentally, emotionally, and physically. Here are some ideas:

• Spend time in nature

• Try a new hobby

• Reconnect with a loved one

• Meditate

• Journal

• Get a massage or facial

• Read a book

• Try a new skincare routine

Give yourself permission to take the time you need to take care of yourself.