Contributed Content
Image Source
Have you ever taken a mental health day? Sometimes you just need them. It might be a sick day from work, or it might be a weekend you already have off carved out for only you. The point of it, however, is that you need a break. A break from whatever is making you stressed. That can be work or something at home, or nowadays it can simply be daily life. It’s alright to need to take a day off from it and want to live in a cabin in the woods off the grid. The problem is that our hustle culture is so ingrained in us that it can feel like a waste.
Let’s be clear: it’s not a waste. Even if you spent all day in bed with a tub of ice cream, it’s self care and as long as you feel better by the end of it, it’s not a waste. But if you’re the type of person who simply cannot stay in bed all day, then we’ve got a few ideas on how to keep your mind peacefully distracted on your mental health day.
Treat yourself
Set yourself the small goal of treating yourself on your mental health day. Anything you’ve been thinking about for a while but haven’t bought or done because you didn’t have the funds or time, this is what you’re treating yourself to. A good idea is a new outfit or a facial, which will increase confidence and is very calming, respectively. Look into Obagi skin care for a facial that will solve just about every skincare issue.
Put away your phone
Sometimes you just need to switch off. The problems of the world are going to just pile up as you go about your mental health day trying to keep away from issues close to home. Famine, plague, and war, are now all syphoned into your social media accounts, not to mention the dirty laundry and drama that people post on socials. And the boss just “checking up” on you. You don’t need any of that today. It’s impractical to leave your phone at home but maybe stick it on do not disturb mode?
Get in nature
The benefits of simply being in nature are innumerable. A simple walk amongst the trees will greatly improve your mood. It will lower stress and fear, build confidence, and lower your blood pressure. Plus, it involves an element of exercise, even at a low level, so get out there. You might even get chatting to someone in the park.
Recruit that friend
It’s up to you whether you’re purposefully being alone during this time or you’re looking out for your people. It might be a good idea to unplug from social media, but an even better idea to meet up with a friend or someone to gab with for a low-level therapy session. If you need to rant, crack open a bottle of wine, and remember that you would obviously do the same for them when they need their mental health day.