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Lately, I’ve found myself feeling increasingly irritable. My partner noticed it, my children picked up on it, and even my body was reacting negatively. After snapping at my kids yet again, my partner suggested I take a day just for myself. It took some time, but I finally set aside a mental health day, convinced it would revive my spirits.
However, the reality was quite different. I’m sure many of you can relate to this: I woke up earlier than usual, eager to tackle my long list of tasks. I squeezed in a quick run, rushed through a shower, and then headed out to submit my tax documents. Feeling accomplished, I made a grocery run for a family of four, only to be sidetracked by the state of my car. I ended up getting it washed and vacuumed, only to rush back home to put away groceries before the ice cream melted. In the chaos, I forgot the sushi I promised myself for lunch.
By the time I made it back home, past noon, I realized my day was anything but restorative. I vacuumed the house and told myself that from there on, I would simply relax on the couch with the Hallmark Channel. Just as I settled in, my phone lit up with messages from my son’s teacher, a call from my ex-husband about our son’s graduation, and a reminder of my daughter’s orthodontist appointment.
This was not the refreshing mental health day I had envisioned. In fact, my planning left me feeling more drained than before, as I hadn’t taken the time to reflect on what I genuinely needed.
To help navigate this, I consulted with Dr. Emma Richards, a therapist and life coach, who shared valuable insights on how to properly take a mental health day. The first step is to identify your true needs. Ask yourself what you really want to focus on—whether it’s a day filled with reading or some uninterrupted time for spring cleaning. Dr. Richards advises, “Self-care varies for everyone; what works for one person might not work for another. If you don’t want to take a long bath or read, then don’t force yourself to do it.”
Your time is precious, especially now, so it’s crucial to engage in activities you genuinely want to do rather than those you feel obligated to undertake. “If you find yourself doing things you think you should do instead of what you really want, it will only lead to feelings of resentment and fatigue,” she warns.
Planning ahead is key. Start considering your needs a few days before your designated mental health day. “If it’s been a while since you’ve thought about your well-being, it might take some time to figure out what you truly want,” Dr. Richards explains. Once you have a clearer idea, implement your plans but be careful not to over-schedule yourself. This could lead to a frantic day that defeats the purpose of relaxation.
If a full mental health day feels out of reach, consider integrating small moments of self-care into your daily routine. Dr. Richards suggests analyzing your calendar and scheduling in activities that uplift you. “If exercise helps alleviate your stress, plan regular workouts. If you need more sleep, make time for naps,” she encourages.
Since my chaotic attempt at a mental health day, I’ve been focusing on small daily self-care practices, whether it’s painting my nails, buying new perfume, or enjoying HGTV while having dinner on the couch. These little joys have made a positive difference.
Remember, you deserve time for yourself. So take the necessary steps to plan an effective mental health day.
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Summary
Taking a mental health day can be revitalizing, but it requires proper planning and self-awareness. Identify what you truly need, avoid over-scheduling, and focus on activities that genuinely bring you joy. Small daily self-care practices can also help maintain your well-being.
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