Lately, I’ve been feeling quite irritable. My partner, my kids, and even my body have all noticed the change. After apologizing for my short temper (again) in front of my partner, he suggested that I needed a day to myself.
It took me about a week to finally take that day, hoping it would transform my mood and bring back my usual self. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I think you can guess where this is going, as many of us can relate to these “mom-brain” moments.
I woke up earlier than usual, eager to tackle everything on my agenda for this supposed mental health day. After fitting in a run and a quick shower, I dropped off my tax documents, feeling relieved to check that off my list. Then, I headed to the grocery store to stock up on a week’s worth of food for my family.
On my way back to the car, I noticed how filthy my vehicle was and decided to take it through the car wash. I also stopped to vacuum out all the sand and trash that had accumulated. Rushing home to unload the groceries before my ice cream melted, I suddenly realized I’d forgotten the sushi I promised myself for lunch.
By then, it was past noon, and I certainly didn’t feel like I was enjoying a mental health day at all. I managed to vacuum the house and told myself I would finally relax and watch a movie on the Hallmark Channel. Just as I settled in, I received a message from my son’s teacher, an unexpected call from my ex about our son’s graduation, and remembered my daughter had an orthodontist appointment.
This is not how you should spend a mental health day! In fact, my mental state felt worse after my poorly planned day, as I felt like I had wasted a day and wasn’t relaxed at all. I hadn’t taken the time to consider what I actually needed to feel rejuvenated.
To help clarify how to truly benefit from a mental health day, I consulted with Emma Johnson, a therapist and life coach. She shared some invaluable insights on how to make the most of such a day.
Identify Your Needs
First, it’s crucial to ask yourself what you genuinely need. This could be anything—maybe you want a day of reading or the time to tackle some spring cleaning that you know will uplift your spirit. “Taking a long bath or reading a book might seem like good self-care, but if it’s not what you really want, then skip it,” Johnson advises. Everyone has their own idea of self-care, and you should define what that means for you.
Spend Your Time Wisely
Your time is precious, especially during these hectic times, so make sure to spend it doing what you truly desire rather than what you feel you ought to do. “If you find yourself doing what seems ‘too indulgent’ or lazy, you’ll just end up feeling resentful,” Johnson warns.
Plan Ahead
If possible, plan ahead. A few days before your mental health day, think about what you really need and outline some plans. “If it’s been a while since you focused on yourself, it might take a few days to pinpoint what you want,” Johnson explains. Once you have a few ideas, make plans but be careful not to over-schedule. You don’t want to end up running around frantically, negating the entire point of the day.
Incorporate Small Changes
If you’re unable to carve out an entire day, consider small changes to your routine. Johnson suggests looking at your weekly calendar and incorporating what you need each day. “If exercise helps you unwind, make sure to schedule in workouts. If more sleep is what you need, find time for naps,” she advises. Since my own failed mental health day, I’ve been implementing this advice. Little actions, like painting my nails or enjoying a show after dinner, have made a significant difference in my overall mood.
Always remember: you are worthy of time and self-care, so invest the effort into crafting a rejuvenating mental health day.
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In summary, taking a proper mental health day requires thoughtful planning and a focus on what you truly need. Avoid over-scheduling and ensure you prioritize activities that genuinely rejuvenate you.
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