Angelina Litvin
Taking good care of yourself is more than carving out time to hit the gym and cooking healthy recipes at home; it’s also about making sure you clock in quality sleep, block off time for creative hobbies and fun with friends, and, last but definitely not least, relax when you need it.
Though you probably skip work when you feel physically sick, you should also consider taking a day to yourself for mental health.
Why a mental health day is important
Even though companies are starting to catch on as to how important mental health days are to workplace culture and productivity (we love this viral email thread!), many people still feel nervous asking for a day away to give their mind a break. However, good bosses and healthy company cultures recognize that a recharge can help you further excel at work and be more productive. If your company isn’t on board after an honest conversation about why you need time to yourself, it might be time to consider a change.
When to take a mental health day
When deciding whether or not you need a mental health day or if you should continue to power through, consider your stress levels and if any strain you feel has started to show. Are you missing deadlines at work? Is it impossible to focus because you’re beyond tired? Have you been moving so fast that you haven’t been able to deal with emotions from something that happened recently?
Seriously consider symptoms of burnout as well, which can range from feelings of depression and apathy to physical symptoms like stomach issues or blood pressure changes. Practicing good self-care can help you nip these issues in the bud or seek professional help before you put yourself at risk for something more serious, like adrenal fatigue.
How to spend your day away from work
Once you’ve decided to take a mental health day, make the most of it by giving your brain and body what it needs, like sunshine (ah, vitamin D), a few extra hours of sleep, exercise, or time with people you love.
Though a refresher is key for an effective mental health day, experts caution against any activity that’ll zap your energy and momentum — so do your best to avoid being a total couch potato or indulging in food or drink that’ll make you feel worse when it’s time to head back to work. Your time off should re-ignite your energy levels, help revive your patience, and give you a fresh perspective that inspires you to get back to it. You’ve got this!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
