3 Signs You Need a Mental Health Day
We live in a society that values “the grind”. We’re taught from childhood that the harder we work, the more we’ll get out of life. But the truth of the matter is, everyone deserves to live a life that balances work and rest.
Most people don’t stop to actually rest until their body (or their mind) forces them to. If you rest when your body feels unwell, why wouldn’t you do the same for your mind? Understanding that your mental health is important is CRUCIAL to your overall health. Our physical bodies are tied to our mental wellbeing and learning to see the warning signs can help us give ourselves more of what we need.
Here’s 3 signs that indicate you need a mental health day:
You’re Tired ALL THE TIME
When our minds are strained, it can lead to physical exhaustion. Our overall health depends on how much sleep we get on a regular basis. If you find yourself yawning frequently or feeling like you need a multiple naps, you probably need to slow down and prioritize rest. Lack of sleep also affects your mood. You might find yourself becoming more irritable, anxious, and sad. Since our emotions and our sleep pattern is linked, it’s important to pay attention to both, as one will surely affect the other. The goal is to have balanced rest time so that your mind and your body can recharge. If you’re someone who has to be “on” for many hours during a day, then getting adequate sleep will help you stay energized and focused. Most adults actually need 8 to 9 hours of sleep to feel rested. Analyze your sleeping pattern and see if you need to carve out more time for a good night’s sleep.
You’re Anxious and on Edge
Anxiety can show up in many ways in your life. Your mind might be racing, or you can experience panic attacks. There can also be physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pain. It’s bigger (and scarier) than just worrying, and can really affect your physical wellbeing. Our minds communicate with our bodies and if we allow anxiety to linger, the physical symptoms can become increasingly terrifying to deal with. So when you start to feel anxiety flaring up, do your future self a favor and take that mental health day.
You’re Feeling Detached
Sometimes when we’re drowning in to-do lists and stressed about bills or work problems, our minds gear up to protect us from being overwhelmed. Even though the brain is trying to be helpful by detaching, this actually doesn’t help us in the long run. Be sure to connect with people you love, and participate in some activities that charge up your energy with positivity.
When you decide take a mental health day, it’s important to tap into mindfulness and stay present, no matter what activities you choose to incorporate into your day. Don’t think about what you believe you “should” be doing, and instead give yourself grace and space to really take care of yourself by shifting gears.
most importantly…
If you realize that taking a mental health day isn’t actually helping, then you may want to begin considering speaking with a professional about what you’re feeling, and how you’re coping with every day life. There’s nothing wrong with getting help when your mind needs care, just like there’s nothing wrong with going to the doctor when your body is out of balance. To live a life of ease, taking mental health seriously needs to be a part of your wellness routine and practice.