Celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10
Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day celebrates the importance of mental health. It is an opportunity to educate people, raise awareness and promote advocacy for better mental health resources worldwide.
This year, the WHO will focus on a theme of Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority. The WHO will work with partners to launch this campaign.
It’s a day to recharge
If you’re feeling burnt out or stressed, a mental health day can be just what you need to recharge and rejuvenate your energy for the rest of the week.
It can also help you evaluate whether your current job or career is right for you, says Susan Francis, a clinical psychologist in New York City. You might find that you’ve been feeling burned out or overwhelmed at work because of a lack of support or opportunities, she says.
She recommends putting your work emails and Slack on hold for the day, leaving your phone at home, and spending time with friends or family who support you.
You can also take a mental health day to do something creative, like cooking your own meal or creating something that you’ve been meaning to try. This can be a great way to relieve stress, say Felder, and can also be a rewarding experience.
It’s a day to evaluate
A mental health day is a great way to evaluate and refocus your life. It gives you the chance to take a break from your responsibilities and set healthy boundaries.
It can help you decide whether a change is needed in your career, home life, or personal relationships. It also gives you time to make a plan for your next steps.
One of the best ways to use a mental health day is to spend most of it doing things you enjoy. That can include a walk, an exercise class, reading a book or watching a movie, Francis says.
It’s important to be conscious of the activities you choose, though. For example, if you have a list of things you want to do but are feeling overwhelmed, make sure to focus on one thing at a time.
It’s a day to relax
The idea of a mental health day may be a bit strange to some, but it’s a necessary part of staying healthy. Taking time to relax and de-stress can help prevent a burnout or depression that can take over your life.
The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get your stress levels back in check. Even something as simple as doing chores can be therapeutic.
Another important aspect of a mental health day is to focus on yourself and what you need, says Erin Hampton, founder of Thrive by Design. “On a mental health day, you should do things that make you feel calm and content,” she says.
It’s important to make sure your basic needs are taken care of, including eating and drinking enough water, because dehydration can mimic symptoms of anxiety. It’s also a good idea to get some exercise to boost energy levels. Lastly, a mental health day can be a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.
It’s a day to change careers
A mental health day is an opportunity to take a break from your job and focus on taking care of yourself. It also allows you to reflect on your current situation and decide whether or not you’re ready for a change.
This October, the global community will celebrate World Mental Health Day. The event raises awareness about mental health issues and mobilizes efforts to support them.
The stigma around mental health is slowly going away, and more people are able to talk about it openly. This means more employers are realizing the value of addressing these challenges and are investing in mental health support.
However, many workers still find themselves stuck in jobs that aren’t ideal for their mental health. These may include jobs that require too much time or that are too stressful.
