Why Mental Health Days Are Important
Mental health days can be a real lifesaver when you’re feeling overwhelmed. They give you a much-needed break from your routine and help you de-stress.
They can also be very helpful for your kids. They’re a good way to encourage children and teens to talk openly about their feelings and to take care of their mental health.
1. Relieves stress and anxiety
Whether it’s work stress, a demanding boss, or even everyday routines and tasks at home that are taking their toll on your mental health, getting some time away from the daily grind can be a huge benefit.
When you take a mental health day, it gives you the space you need to re-evaluate your priorities and goals in life. It can also help you develop coping skills to avoid burnout and maintain resilience in the face of stress.
Many people aren’t aware of when they need a mental health day until they feel it is too late to take one. But the truth is, most jobs come with some level of stress and anxiety, no matter what you do for a living.
2. Restored energy
If your body has been exhausted from stress and overwork, a mental health day is the ideal way to restore your energy. A day of self-care can include catching up on sleep, spending time with a loved one or taking a trip to the park.
While a day off of work might seem like an impossible luxury, it can help you feel refreshed and recharged for the next day. It’s also important to remember that a mental health day is not a checkbox perk, so don’t be afraid to make it count by doing things that you enjoy.
In addition, don’t be afraid to use your mental health day as a chance to catch up on paperwork, clean your house or run errands. This can help you stay on track and reduce your guilt over not getting everything done.
3. Reconnects with friends and family
One of the best ways to boost mental health is to reconnect with friends and family. It can be easy to isolate yourself when you’re feeling down, but spending time with loved ones can help relieve your stress and anxiety, making you less likely to feel alone.
In addition, studies have found that people with strong social and community ties are two to three times more likely to live long lives than those who have weaker ties.
Taking a mental health day can help you reconnect with your loved ones and rejuvenate your spirit. It can also give you a fresh perspective on problems that are draining your energy, and provide the space to find solutions that work for you.
4. Prevents crisis situations
When children are feeling depressed, anxious or stressed and need to take a break from school, a mental health day can help them recharge their batteries. It’s important to consult with a child’s pediatrician before deciding whether a mental health day is the best choice for them.
Crisis situations often result from multiple problems, including depression, trauma, substance abuse, eating disorders and other mental health issues. These co-occurring conditions can make the situation worse and lead to thoughts of suicide.
Having a crisis plan in place with information about medications, treatment and providers can help families, friends and professionals work together to respond appropriately. It can also prevent future crises by ensuring the person has all the critical information they need when it’s needed.
5. Boosts productivity
Whether it’s stress from work or the kids, taking a mental health day can be an excellent way to recharge and re-energize.
Taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health. Research has shown that addressing your wellbeing at work increases productivity by as much as 12%!
Many companies offer paid mental health days. SAP, Thompson Reuters and Google are all offering employees this benefit.
It’s important to ensure your company’s policy is clear and transparent, making it easy for employees to take the time they need. It’s also helpful to define the number of days your employees can take for mental health.
