Sometimes, you need more than just a few days of PTO when taking a break from work. And all it might take is a breather for the sake of your mental health — and that’s OK.

Between stressing out about the holidays and suddenly barreling towards the end of the year, now is the perfect time to take a mental health day for your wellbeing.

You Need Your Sleep
If you catch up on your sleep during the weekends and find that isn’t enough, you should dedicate additional time during the week to give your brain a rest. Whether you take a break from social media, bingeing on Netflix, or just relax alone, make it a goal to get rest. According to Harvard University, lack of sleep increases your risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Sleeplessness also affects your abilities to think clearly and make good judgments — so get enough sleep.

You Can Renew Your Commitment to Work
Burnout is very real in the workplace. When you push yourself harder and harder on a daily basis, something inside has to give out — which results in stress, unhappiness, or frequent mood swings. That’s when you know it’s time for a day off. Typically, you’ll come back more refreshed and renewed in your commitment and enthusiasm for your work.

You Can Finally Do Something for You
Taking a mental health day doesn’t mean it’s time to clean your entire house. Instead, make it your objective to do what you like to do — whether you drink some coffee at your favorite cafe or catch up on the latest Netflix show.

You Can Catch up With the Changing Seasons
If you live in a location where winter is coming (or has already arrived), you’re at greater risk for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This form of depression affects people at times of the year when the sun isn’t out as much. Seasonal depression symptoms include irritability, trouble sleeping, appetite changes, and feeling more tired than usual, according to the Mayo Clinic. If these symptoms sound familiar, take some time to enjoy the changing season. Go outside and catch a bit of sunshine…rest. Recharge your batteries – you’ll need the energy boost for the holiday season.

You Deserve It
You work hard on a daily basis, dedicating yourself to your job, your interests, and your friends and family. Every once in a while, you need to take a break from being “you” and just be a couch potato. It’s perfectly OK to do something just for yourself every once in a while, so don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one.

xx, The FabFitFun Team