If you wake up with a fever, the flu or a stomach bug, you call into work and take a sick day. But recognizing when it’s time to give your brain a break may not be so clear. Taking a mental health day can help when you need time to disconnect, recharge and refocus before you completely burnout, so how do you know you need one?
These are signs it’s time to prioritize your mental and emotional health with a day off:
- Feeling extra irritable - Snapping at loved ones more than usual can mean your stress levels are high and you’re having a hard time regulating your emotions.
- Little things feel overwhelming - If spilling your coffee or getting stuck in traffic feels like the end of the world, your system may be in overdrive, distorting your perspective. When your coping mechanisms are maxed out, a mental health day can help build them back up.
- Struggling with memory issues or brain fog - These are also signs your mental resources are depleted and chronic stress is affecting the part of the brain in charge of clear thinking.
- Feeling indifferent about things you normally care about - If stuff that used to make you happy or give you purpose doesn’t anymore, your emotional energy is wiped out and just pushing through can lead to burnout and withdrawal.
- Sleep issues - Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping are both signs your body is dealing with emotional stress, and if the sleep issues continue, they can have a negative impact on mood, focus and health.
- Changes in appetite - Whether you’re eating a lot more or less than usual, these changes are a common response to stress, anxiety or depression and can indicate that your nervous system needs support.
To take a mental health day without feeling guilty:
- Reframe it as a way to prevent burnout
- Make the day purposeful and intentional so you feel replenished by it
- Set clear boundaries at work to protect your time
- Give yourself permission to reset without feeling pressure to be productive
Source: Real Simple⠀
Scott's Thoughts:
- It sounds great, now if I can just get my boss to understand!
- I sometimes need to take a few hours, like signing off work a little early, but not a whole day.
- It is nice to come back to work refreshed and rested.
