Self-care has been a trendy topic of discussion over the past two years. Now more than ever, people are experiencing burnout, stress, and unhappiness in their personal and professional lives. Professionally, it has become common to utilise mental health days or wellness days, depending on the company’s policy.
According to research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depressive disorders cost more than a trillion dollars globally in lost productivity each year. Rather than attempting to grind through work while you are mentally struggling or having feelings of depression or anxiety, why not schedule a day in the near future to unplug and unwind? Of course, there may be times when you need to act and take time for yourself immediately in severe cases of burnout or anxiety. If you are feeling overwhelmed, give yourself the option to call in sick or use an emergency wellness day.
Mental health days can look drastically different from person to person. For example, an introvert may choose to stay in their pajamas and watch their favourite movies all day. They may even have food delivered so they can avoid cooking and cleaning, and simply enjoy feeling positive as they take time for themselves with no responsibilities.
Others may have an entirely different definition of what they consider relaxing and opt for a more active mental health day. This could consist of activities such as taking a hike or going on a scenic bike ride. It could be shooting a basketball at the community park or playing a round of golf at the local course.
Mental health days can provide great moments of solitude and self-care, like writing in a journal or listening to music by yourself. Alternatively, inviting a friend and doing something completely out of the normal routine can be invigorating and bring positive vibes.
Ultimately, mental health days are about doing whatever fills your emotional bucket—as long as it’s not an unhealthy or dangerous behaviour. While indulging in good food or drink can really lift your spirits and provide comfort, be sure not to binge on junk food or alcohol all day—otherwise you will wake up for work the next day feeling unwell. It defeats the entire purpose of taking a day off work if you come back feeling negative and unhealthy physically. Additionally, avoid ruminating on your anxiety about work and clear your mind for the day. Dwelling on the tasks that await you upon your return to the office will render your self-care time unfruitful.
So, take a pulse of how you are feeling. Is it time to schedule a mental health day this week? This month? Tomorrow? Only you have the answer to that, so stay in tune with your body and mind, and listen to what they’re telling you. Then, enjoy whatever makes you happy on your day off so you can return recharged, rejuvenated and filled with positive energy.