How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day

Taking an Effective Mental Health Day Off

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities and the many roles you have to play every day? You’re not alone. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by your daily  responsibilities. It might be time for you to take a mental health day to destress, relax, and get a fresh perspective on life.

Here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of a mental health day and give yourself some breathing space.

Make Your Mental Health Day Count

In order to return to your responsibilities refreshed, plan your mental health day ahead of time. Think about your goals in taking a day for yourself and plan the day to meet those goals as much as possible.

Some things you can try include:

Spend Some Time In Silence.

This can include meditation or some other form of focused relaxation that works for you. Sit in silence, without the usual cacophony and demands that surround you. Listen both internally and externally. Repeat a mantra or phrase that calms you. Breathe.

Journal

Free write for at least one page in a journal. Include the answer to the question “What’s working and what’s not working right now in my life?” or “What my dream day looks like.”

Get Outside

Being outside has many benefits that restore and strengthen mental capacities, as well as increase overall focus and attention. Take a hike, swim, bike, or simply sit outside and enjoy nature.

Exercise

Exercise stimulates the production of chemicals that improve your mood. It can reduce stress, depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. Walk, run, take a class, anything that gets you moving.

Take a Class

Pick something you normally don’t have time for, such as yoga, t’ai chi, dance, or anything else you enjoy. Lose yourself in it. Don’t worry about performance. Just enjoy.

Have Fun

Try a fun event. Maybe you love thrift stores but never take the time to go anymore, or you love movies on the big screen but never have time. Take a friend along if you can so your day is even more memorable.

A mental health day when you take the time to focus on yourself can give you the needed break to clear your head and your emotions. Enjoy!