Couples Counseling Worcester MA Provides Tips on How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day
Individual and Couples counseling Worcester MA. What it feels like to take a mental health day.
We have all taken days off of work or school when we are physically sick. Mental health is also an important aspect of our overall health and it cannot be ignored. A mental health day is not a “lets catch up on work” day or a “I have all these projects I never get done” day. A mental health day is a day where you assess what you need in order to nurture and give back to yourself. I hear a lot from clients that they avoid taking time off of work because they know how much work they will have when they get back and it causes even more stress. It is important to remember that work will always be there. There is no shortage of work, however your health and wellbeing if not attended to can have an unintended negative impact on all areas of your life.
How do you even think about approaching taking a mental healthy day?
Plan Ahead:
Schedule the mental health day in advance, if possible.
Inform relevant parties at work or in your personal life about your day off if needed. Or on the flip side, making sure to be quiet about your mental health day to people who may not listen to limit setting and want to engage knowing you have “free time”.
Think about what an ideal day would be like for your that aligns with your values and needs. Here are some ideas to get you started. Please know that everyone is different, so what one person may want on their mental health day may look very different from someone else. Also, you don’t have to do all of these things to make this a replenishing day.
Create a Relaxing Environment:
Choose a comfortable and calming space for your day.
Eliminate potential stressors by creating a serene atmosphere.
Disconnect:
Turn off work emails and notifications.
Limit social media use to reduce external stressors.
Engage in Relaxation Activities:
Practice mindfulness or meditation.
Enjoy activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, taking a nature walk, taking a bike ride, gardening, playing tennis with a friend that brings you joy, writing in your journal.
Physical Activity:
Incorporate light exercise, like a gentle walk or yoga, to release endorphins.
Physical activity can positively impact mental well-being.
Nourish Your Body:
Eat nutritious meals that fuel your body and mind.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Sleep In or Take Naps:
Allow yourself extra sleep or take short naps to recharge.
Set Boundaries:
Clearly communicate to others that you are on a mental health day.
Avoid engaging in work-related tasks or stressors.
Reflect and Journal:
Spend time reflecting on your thoughts and emotions.
Consider journaling as a therapeutic outlet.
Engage in Activities You Love:
Dedicate time to hobbies or activities that bring you joy.
Connect with friends or loved ones that bring value to your life.
Be Kind to Yourself:
Accept that it's okay to take a break.
Notice if self-judgment comes up and practice self-compassion.
Explore ways you can incorporate some of these things more often in your daily, weekly, or monthly routine.
Remember, the key to an effective mental health day is to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that contribute positively to your well-being.
Meghan C. Foucher, LICSW specializes in anxiety and couples counseling Worcester MA. Helping couples and individuals shift out of stress, anxiety, and conflict while improving communication and regaining connection.
Schedule a Free Consult for Individual or Couples Counseling Worcester MA
