Lately, I’ve been feeling quite overwhelmed. My partner, my children, and even my body have all noticed my irritability. After a couple of snappy exchanges with my kids, my partner suggested that I take a day for myself to recharge. After a week of consideration, I finally decided to dedicate a day to focus on my mental well-being, thinking it would help me regain my former self.
However, the day didn’t go as I had hoped. You might already predict what happened—moms often share a similar experience. I woke up earlier than usual, eager to tackle a long to-do list. I went for a run, hurried through my shower, and even dropped off my tax documents. Feeling accomplished, I then made a trip to the grocery store to buy food for the week.
On my way back, I noticed how dirty my car was, so I took it through a car wash and cleaned out the interior, removing all the remnants of fast food and sand from the kids’ activities. Once home, I rushed to put away the groceries before the ice cream melted, only to realize I had forgotten the sushi I planned to treat myself to for lunch.
By the time noon rolled around, I didn’t feel like I had taken a mental health day at all. I vacuumed the house, promising myself that I’d finally relax while watching the Hallmark Channel. Just as I settled on the couch, my phone buzzed with a message from my child’s teacher, my ex called about our child’s upcoming graduation, and I remembered my daughter’s orthodontist appointment.
Clearly, I had not executed my mental health day effectively. In fact, I felt more stressed due to my lack of planning. To gain some insight, I reached out to Dr. Emily Rivers, a therapist and life coach, who shared valuable tips on how to truly make the most of a mental health day.
Identify Your Needs
Firstly, it’s essential to identify what you genuinely need. Whether it’s a day of reading or an uninterrupted opportunity to spring clean, listen to those needs. “If taking a long bath or reading a book doesn’t resonate with you, don’t force it. Everyone has a unique perception of self-care,” Dr. Rivers explains.
Engage in Enjoyable Activities
Taking time for yourself is invaluable—especially now—so it’s crucial to engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy, rather than what you think you should be doing. “If you avoid what you truly want to do because it seems too indulgent, you may end up feeling resentful and more drained,” she cautions.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can also make a significant difference. Start to reflect on your needs a few days prior to your mental health day. “If you haven’t considered your needs in a while, it may take time to figure out what you want,” Dr. Rivers notes. Once you have a clearer idea, create a loose plan, but avoid over-scheduling yourself to prevent stress and disappointment.
Daily Recharge
If a full day isn’t feasible right now, you can still find ways to recharge daily. Dr. Rivers suggests reviewing your calendar to identify small, manageable self-care activities. “Incorporate exercise sessions if it helps alleviate stress or schedule naps if you need more sleep,” she recommends.
Since my own experience with my mental health day didn’t go as planned, I’ve started incorporating little self-care practices into my routine. Simple acts like painting my nails, purchasing new perfume, or unwinding with HGTV after dinner have proven beneficial.
Always remember: you deserve to take the time and effort to plan a truly restorative mental health day. For more insights, you can check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination or explore fertility-boosting supplements for more tips.