Workaholics, stressed-out individuals, anxiety sufferers, and anyone who has simply struggled to maintain motivation in life— welcome to the thick of it. We’ve all worked through the lunch hour, taken calls from our super needy boss on vacation, or skipped workouts just so we could meet those damn office deadlines. But how many of us have taken the time out for ourselves? In today’s world, it feels like there’s simply no time for breaks, but that just makes a mental health day that much more important.
Adulting can be rough! There’s so much going on every day that we can’t seem to catch a break from, and it can take a toll on our mental health. Between the daily grind of work responsibilities, home chores, bills, traffic, family and other stressors, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed and ready to throw in the towel.
One of the most vital aspects of our well-being is taking care of our mental health. Taking the time to take a day here and there can help you destress, recharge those batteries and perform better when you’re back to the grind. So, let’s decompress before we decompose!
Let’s take a minute to talk about the importance of mental health days and how taking a break from adulting can help you balance your life and help keep you sane. No matter the industry or the job title, here is why taking time for yourself is so vital.
So, what is a mental health day?
Simply put, it is a day off from work or other responsibilities that you take when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally exhausted. It’s a chance to reset, recharge, and focus on your mental well-being.
Taking a day off may seem like a luxury or even a guilty pleasure, but it’s not. The truth is, it’s a necessary part of self-care. Just like a rest day is essential for athletes to prevent injuries and overexertion, a mental health day can help you prevent burnout, depression, and anxiety. Or it may even save your life.
Now, some people may think that mental health days are just an excuse to skip work or avoid responsibilities. But let’s get real here: would you rather have an employee or a colleague who is constantly stressed, anxious, and unproductive? Or someone who is happy, healthy, and energized?
Mental health days are not just for your benefit, but they also benefit your work performance, relationships, coworkers and overall wellbeing. It’s like putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others on the plane— you can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself first.
Does this mean I have to spend the whole day doing nothing?
Not unless that’s what you need, of course. You can use this opportunity to do things that help you relax and recharge. Maybe you’ve been meaning to read that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand? Or take a long walk in the park? Or maybe binge-watch your favorite TV show, get a massage, or even just take a nap? Whatever it is that helps you unwind, a mental health day is your hall pass to do it guilt-free. It’s not about being lazy or indulgent. It’s about recognizing that you need some time to decompress and remembering that you are a priority.
Maybe you’re just feeling overwhelmed or experiencing the winter blues. Taking a mental health day can reinvigorate your motivation and increase your focus. Psychological studies have shown that the productivity benefits of a day off outweigh the additional work hours you might accumulate.
Burnout is real
Even for those who are passionate about their work. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. Burnout can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment, and, remarkably, even cognitive decline. A mental health day can mean the difference between recovery and weeks or months of burnout.
They are also a perfect way to combat anxiety and depression. For those struggling with mental health, it’s important to recognize and address those struggles before they worsen. It takes courage to remain open about mental health in the workplace. Taking a mental health day— or even a few— can allow sufferers to recharge and refocus to care for their overall well-being, helping the person maintain better balance in their life.
Whether it’s catching up with a close friend, cuddling with your pet, spending some quiet time in nature, or learning a new skill, investing time in the things we love does wonders for the soul. Having too much work on our plate should not stop us from achieving balance and finding joy in life.
Don’t make it just a one-day affair
It’s also important to note that mental health is not just a one-day affair. While taking a mental health day can be a great stress reliever in the short term, it’s not a fix-all solution. If you’re feeling constantly stressed or overwhelmed, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage your mental health in the long run. This may include practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, getting professional help, exercising regularly, or finding a creative outlet. Mental health days can be a part of your larger mental health strategy, but they shouldn’t be the only tool in your toolbox.
At the end of the day, our mental health determines our ability to thrive. Integrating mental health days into our schedules to recharge batteries, increase our motivation and reduce our stress levels is essential for every individual. As discussed in the above points, these benefits have a trickle-down effect on work productivity, company culture, and overall wellness. Make sure you take the necessary steps to prioritize your mental health by booking days off and enjoying the small moments in life. Don’t wait until it’s too late; take time for yourself regularly and keep the balance needed to live your life to the fullest—It’s essential.
Remember, you are important and so very worth the time and the effort for self-care! Until next time, stay brash, stay mindful and stay true to you!
