Breath: Mental Health Matters

"Mental health has been stigmatized for so long; fortunately, people are starting to realize that mental health is just as important as physical health, and burnout is a real part of it."

Being the perfect spouse, parent, and worker can often lead to overwhelming feelings, anxiety, and burnout.  The good news is that the concept of preventing burnout by taking a 'mental health day' is gaining traction, and more people are beginning to appreciate its value. We all need a day to relax, recharge, and rest.  This is where the beauty of mental health days lies, offering much-needed relief and relaxation.

What is a mental health day?

A mental health day is dedicated to avoiding significant sources of stress and frustration.  It's an opportunity to relax, decompress, and take care of yourself. If you feel easily irritated, physically or mentally exhausted, anxious, or unable to concentrate, you could likely benefit from a mental health day.

Signs that you need to take a mental health day

There are plenty of physical signs of burnout, but many clues also come from your emotional state.  One of the most significant roles in preventing burnout is being insightful and honest about your feelings.  Recognizing and addressing burnout is crucial, and it's okay to feel this way.  You are not alone.

Signs of burnout can include:

• Irritability and a quick temper.

• Withdrawal from things that used to be fun and meaningful.

• Constantly feeling anxious.

• Feeling detached from both work and others.

• Cynicism.

• Lack of motivation or focus.

• Feeling exhausted.

• Not taking care of yourself physically or emotionally.

• Feeling sick.

If you feel like you're approaching burnout, it's essential to ask yourself, "What do I need?" Do you need some rest? A change of scenery?  Time alone, or perhaps one-on-one time with your spouse? Or have you been so overwhelmed recently that you need to have a little fun?

Dealing with Job Stress

Anxiety levels are increasing, and many individuals are beginning to recognize the need to seek help for their mental health.  It's essential to prioritize your mental well-being without feeling ashamed about taking a mental health day.

However, if your work environment contributes significantly to your stress and discussions with your boss haven't led to improvements, it might be time to consider looking for a new job.

How to take a mental health day

Each person experiences burnout differently and understanding your unique burnout cycle is crucial.  The key is to recognize when to take action to prevent burnout and what steps to take to recharge.

To Take an Effective Mental Health Day, You Should:

- Plan to ensure a stress-free day.

- Set boundaries during your mental health day to avoid interruptions from work or other obligations.

- Practice self-care, as mental health days are about caring for yourself.

- Connect with others; while spending time alone is necessary, social connections are also essential.

- Get a good night's rest.

- Set goals for the day when you wake up.

- Eat breakfast and lunch.

- Pray.

It is important to pay attention to your mental health and recognize when you may be more susceptible to burnout throughout the year. For instance, I usually feel burnt out every two months, so I proactively schedule a day off during those times.

If you have a major project coming up at work or are racing to meet a deadline, it's crucial to anticipate these busy periods.  Begin planning and allocating dedicated time for yourself.

Preventing burnout is essential.  Please don't continue to push your needs aside until it's too late.

Things You Can Do During a Mental Health Day

A mental health day typically involves taking a full 24 hours to focus on self-care, though everyone has different needs for recharging and rejuvenating.  For those who haven't reached burnout but want to prevent it, a peaceful hour-long walk in the woods might be what they need.  Self-care is personal and can be whatever works best for you.  Here are some examples of activities you might consider during your mental health day:

- Run errands or schedule appointments

- Go to the gym or a spa

- Meet a friend for breakfast

- Stay home. Enjoy binge-watching your favorite shows.

- Go fishing or hiking

- Take a long bath

- Listen to music

- Work on a project

- If it brings you joy clean the house

- Read or listen to a good book

- Attend sporting event

- Sleep in

- Meditate pray

Choose what resonates with you and enjoy your day!

Remember, prioritizing your mental health is an act of self-love.  With each mindful decision, you lay the foundation for a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow.  This is an excellent opportunity to focus on rejuvenation and foster a positive mindset throughout the day.

Fill each day with gratitude.