What do you do during a mental health day?
LAYING IN BED ALL DAY MAY NOT BE THE ANSWER
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
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The world wants mental health days. Students are advocating for them. Lawmakers are passing legislation about them. Workplaces are changing their policies to provide them. It seems like more and more institutions are realizing that we need time to heal our mental health just as much as our physical health.
So you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, down – or whatever struggle it is that you’re facing. You decide to take a mental health day to recuperate, but what exactly do you do on that designated day off? There’s no perfect formula for a mental health day, but these tips can help you get the most out of your time.
Refocus and reorganize.
There are plenty of things in life that keep you from taking care of your mental health — school, work, socializing, household tasks. You may not have had the time to really sit with your feelings and think deeply about what’s been going on.
This is your chance to regroup and figure out a strategy for boosting your mental health back up. Think about what’s been stressing you out, what you’ve been neglecting, what you’re feeling, and what you need. If you take a few minutes to set your intentions for the day, your next steps will be so much clearer. Write them in a journal, on a sticky note, or in your notes app. They don’t have to be super elaborate, even a quick checklist like “take a shower, unload the dishwasher, get some sun ” will work.
Meet your basic needs.
On your mental health day, get back to basics first: food, water, sleep, and fresh air. We all need these things to survive, but they’re easy to forget. When you don’t get enough of them — or you get an irregular amount of them — it can impact more than just your physical health. A good night’s sleep, a well-balanced meal, and a walk in the park will go a long way to making you feel your best.
Set your social boundaries.
Your whole mental health day is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure situation, but this especially will be up to your individual needs. Some people recharge their mental batteries by being alone, and some get their energy from being around other people. Whether you’re eager to call your entire contacts list or looking forward to going full hermit, do what’s right for you.
Consider unplugging for the day — definitely from work and potentially from social media or other kinds of communication. Or reconnect with a loved one who you know will bring your mood up.
Address the tasks you’ve neglected.
When you get busy, stuff falls through the cracks. One day you look up and realize that your room’s a mess, your hair is greasy, and you’ve been living in the same pair of sweatpants for the past week. These neglected tasks can really weigh on your mental health, so now that you’ve got the time, try to tackle some of them. You’re addressing the literal dirty laundry piling up on your floor AND the dirty laundry…of your mind. (It’s not a perfect metaphor, but you get the idea.)
Revisit your hobbies.
Maintaining your mental health isn’t just about doing the stuff that keeps you alive. Remember the things that help you thrive, too. Make some time for the hobbies, interests, and passions that fuel you. Even just 15 minutes working on your crochet project or a half hour reading your favorite book will fill your cup that much more. Just don’t make it a chore. If you give it a chance and you’re not quite feeling it today, don’t feel obligated just because you have the time.
Find time for rest.
Yes, laying in bed all day may not be the right move. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set aside at least some amount of time to just rest and relax. Too many of us struggle with putting productivity over our emotional well-being, so try not to make your mental health day just one more stressful to-do list. You’re allowed to lounge around, lay in bed, take a nap, or just sit on the couch and do absolutely nothing for a while. Your brain deserves the break. (Just make sure you aren’t ignoring your other needs in the process.)
Prepare for what comes next.
So you’ve had a great mental health day, and you’re feeling good. And then you realize that life (and all of its responsibilities) will start right back up tomorrow. Now what? It’s time to push aside the dread and set yourself up for success. Toward the end of your mental health day, take a little time to prepare for the rest of the week.
Make a list of the things you’ll need to do — because a list of specific tasks will feel a lot more manageable than the vague, looming threat of “so much work to do.” Prepare some quick breathing or meditation exercises you can do if things get stressful. And plan a fun activity or treat for yourself at the end of the day or week to give yourself something to look forward to.
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Keep in mind that these are all just suggestions. Don’t let the pressure of having the “perfect” mental health day keep you from healing. Mental health is so personal, so do whatever you personally need to take care of yourself.
Here’s the other thing: one mental health day here and there will not solve all of your problems — in the same way that a sick day won’t replace regular check-ups or a healthy diet or updated vaccinations. You’ve got to take steps every day (even small ones!) to care for your mental health. The IDONTMIND Journal has some resources and inspiration for prioritizing your mental health.