by Deanna Parkton
We’re all familiar with needing to take sick days when we have a fever or the flu. But what about scheduling time off to care for our mental wellbeing before we reach a breaking point? The concept of planned mental health days can be a powerful tool for workplace wellness.
Mental health days are meant to be different from vacation days. While vacations often involve travel, activities, and socializing, mental health days are meant for rest and reset. Think of them as preventive maintenance for your mind and body, similar to how you service your car before it breaks down.
The key is planning these days a little in advance. By scheduling mental health days proactively, you avoid the stress of having to manage cancellations when burnout hits. It’s much easier to tell your team “I’ll be out next Thursday” than to send a desperate morning-of email when you’re already overwhelmed.
What makes an effective mental health day? Unlike a vacation filled with sightseeing and adventures, these days should focus on activities that help you recharge. This might mean sleeping in, practicing meditation, catching up on a few personal tasks that have been weighing on you, or simply doing nothing at all. The goal is to emerge feeling mentally refreshed, not exhausted from trying to pack in too many activities.
Here are some restorative activity ideas for your mental health day:
- Create a peaceful morning routine without an alarm clock, followed by a nourishing breakfast. Taking time to ease into your day without rushing can help set a calm tone for the hours ahead.
- Spend time in nature by taking a quiet walk in a park or sitting in your garden. Research shows that even a little time outside can reduce stress hormones and improve mood.
- Practice mindful movement through yoga, stretching, or a leisurely bike ride. These activities help release physical tension while keeping the focus on feeling good rather than achieving fitness goals.
- Catch up on rest and relaxation by taking a midday nap, reading a book you’ve been meaning to start, or taking a long bath. Give yourself permission to move slowly and prioritize comfort.
Consider scheduling one mental health day every quarter, marking them in your calendar just like you would any other important appointment. Watch for signs that you might need one: increasing irritability, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks that normally wouldn’t phase you.
Remember, taking mental health days isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a demonstration of self-awareness. By maintaining your mental wellbeing, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and contribute meaningfully to your work. Your future self will thank you for prioritizing your mental health.
For more ideas on how you can strategize your work, consider working with a career coach. A coach can help you identify strategies to face challenges head on. Check out our executive coaching services and sign up for a free consultation here.
Deanna Parkton is a writer, career coach and educator with a passion for professional development and work wellness and happiness. With a focus on self-reflection, she works with individuals in their quest to reach their career goals as well as satisfaction in work-life balance. You can find more of her writing at workinglivingwell.com and she can be reached at workinglivingwell@gmail.com.