How to Effectively Take a Mental Health Day

Lately, I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed. My partner has picked up on it, my children have noticed, and my body is definitely telling me something is off. After apologizing yet again for my snappy remarks towards my kids, my partner suggested that I take a day just for myself.

It took me some time, but I finally carved out a mental health day for myself, convinced that it would rejuvenate me and restore my usual self. But, as you might guess, things didn’t quite unfold that way.

On the day I had set aside, I woke up much earlier than usual, eager to tackle everything on my to-do list. I squeezed in a run, hurried through a shower, and dropped off my tax documents. After feeling a sense of accomplishment, I headed to the grocery store for a week’s worth of food.

On my way back to the car, I noticed how filthy my vehicle looked, so I took it through the car wash and then vacuumed out the remnants of snacks and fast food wrappers. Rushing home to unload the groceries before my ice cream melted, I suddenly realized I had forgotten to grab the sushi I promised myself for lunch.

By the time I checked the clock, it was past noon, and I felt anything but refreshed. I decided to vacuum the house, hoping to salvage the day. Just as I settled down on the couch to relax with the Hallmark Channel, my phone pinged with messages from my child’s teacher, an incoming call from my ex about our son’s graduation, and a reminder for my daughter’s orthodontist appointment.

This was not how to spend a mental health day. In fact, I ended up feeling more drained and unaccomplished than before. My lack of planning left me feeling like I had wasted a day that was meant for self-care.

Tips for a Successful Mental Health Day

To help avoid my mistakes, I reached out to Emma Johnson, a therapist and life coach, who provided some valuable tips on how to truly enjoy a mental health day.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to identify what you really need. It can be anything from reading a book to having a stress-free day to declutter your space. “Self-care is subjective,” Johnson reminds us. “What works for one person may not resonate with another.”

Make sure to prioritize activities that genuinely bring you joy rather than what you think you should be doing. Otherwise, you risk feeling resentful and even more exhausted.

Planning ahead is also key. A few days before your designated mental health day, take some time to think about what you truly desire. “Sometimes it takes a while to pinpoint what you want, especially if you haven’t thought about your own needs in a while,” says Johnson.

Once you have some ideas, create a loose plan but avoid overcommitting. Over-scheduling can lead to more stress, defeating the purpose of your day off.

If a full day isn’t feasible, consider making small adjustments to your weekly schedule. Johnson suggests incorporating activities that relieve stress, like exercise or rest, into your regular routine.

Since my own chaotic experience, I’ve made it a point to do little things for myself daily—whether it’s painting my nails, buying new perfume, or unwinding with a show after work. These small acts of self-care have made a noticeable difference.

Remember, you deserve that time and energy to plan a fulfilling mental health day. For more insights on enhancing your well-being, check out this article from our other blog, or visit Make a Mom for expert advice on home insemination. For further reading on fertility treatments, WebMD offers excellent resources.

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In summary, taking an effective mental health day requires proper planning and self-awareness. Prioritize what truly rejuvenates you, avoid overcommitting, and incorporate self-care into your daily life for long-term benefits.

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