Mental Health Days

We all know the feeling when ‘being an adult’ seems a bit hard. Sometimes you feel unreasonably exhausted (even if it is actually reasonable!) and just need a wee break.

Well, here’s a devilish idea – how about sneaking in a mental health day? Or even just a mental health hour? A wee bit of time out for yourself can be a godsend and send you back out into the world refreshed and refocused.

Even rocket scientists and brain surgeons deserve a day off every now and again, and if that isn’t your chosen occupation, it may be even easier to take a quick break. You are not a robot after all.

Here are a few healthy excuses or justifications to take a day off just for yourself:

It helps relieve stress.

If you feel anxious or nervous consistently at work, you may need some time out. Pressure is one thing, but long term stress is not good for you, physically or emotionally.

It changes your perspective.

When you are exhausted, your perception of people and events can become warped. Take a walk around your own neighbourhood and appreciate the beauty of where you live or the weather of the day. Check out a local fair or spend a few moments in your closest park. Whatever you do, make it an adventure. Research shows experiences make you happier and will allow you to see things in a more positive light.

You’ll be more productive afterwards.

Breaks are like a massage for your brain. Let your mind unwind and decompress, and it will come back stronger in the long run.

You could clear niggly concerns

Your personal to-do list may have been getting longer as you spend too much time on other tasks. It is liberating to spend some time ticking off jobs that YOU need to do for yourself. Giving yourself a chance to catch up on personal projects will allow you to return to your desk in a better state of mind.

You could catch up on some sleep

Sleep is a performance enhancer. Take a nap and you’ll return to work wide awake and ready to conquer your tasks.

Happiness is good 

A mental health days allow you to unplug from your normal day and refocus — and that can make you a happier, healthier employee. They aren’t a cure-all, and they can’t be used often, but they’re a pleasant break and affords you the opportunity to charge your batteries.