Summary

The article discusses the importance of taking a mental health day to engage in self-care activities, reflect, and reset one's mental state.

Abstract

The author emphasizes that mental health, much like physical health, requires regular attention and care. They share their personal struggle with anxiety and the recurrence of mental health patterns, likening it to the flu. The article outlines a perfect mental health day, which includes self-compassion, journaling, mindfulness practices like meditation, physical exercise, and indulging in small pleasures. It underscores the significance of acknowledging one's best efforts, expressing emotions, and not succumbing to societal pressures to always be productive. The author advocates for the necessity of these days to help manage mental health challenges and encourages readers to prioritize their well-being.

Opinions

Mental health issues can recur, similar to physical illnesses, and require ongoing management.
Self-care is crucial and includes activities that nourish both the mind and body.
Journaling is a non-judgmental outlet for expressing emotions and thoughts.
Mindfulness and meditation are key practices for maintaining mental health.
Exercise and a healthy diet contribute positively to mental well-being.
Taking time for enjoyable activities is important for mental rejuvenation.
Society's expectations can add pressure during difficult times, making self-validation essential.
Mental health days are beneficial for resetting one's mental state and should be seen as a necessary form of self-care.

What a Perfect Mental Health Day Looks Like

Indulge in a little self-care

Lately, I’ve been having one of those days…or one of those months.

Anxiety has been at an all-time high. Patterns that I thought were gone have come back.

Dealing with a mental illness is like the flu. Sure it will go away if you seek help for it but it can always come back. Every time I have an episode I tell myself “I thought I was over this?”

No, there is no getting over this. There’s only going through this.

Again, and again.

If you eat crap all day and don’t move your body you will bound to get sick eventually. Sometimes you don’t even do it on purpose. Life gets in the way and you have to start over again.

Well, it’s like that with your mind. We’ll jump back into old patterns such as too much screen time or jumping to conclusions. Not because we intended to but because life got in the way.

When I would struggle with my mental health I felt guilty. I would always hear “If I can do it then so could you!” “My life is so much more difficult why are you complaining?” Like I get it, but we’re not all built the same.

Hey, I’m sensitive and I can’t help it if I have to take a break. I’m not the type of person that can brush things off. I like to process them.

Being an adult we’re held up to higher standards. When we mess up we’re expected to know better. Everyone is under pressure. So there is no excuse for slacking.

No one is going to validate us as we can ourselves. No one is going to watch out for you as you will. When the world is knocking you down doesn’t add to the fire. Take a moment and find a day where you can truly give yourself to yourself.

These are what my mental health days look like.

“I’m Trying My Best”

This is my favorite mantra. It’s the only thing we ever have to remember. In a world where we’re treated like robots and scrutinized for making a mistake try your best. That’s all we can ever do.

Get It Out

I love to journal. It’s the safest place I can be myself. My journal will never judge me or not care what I have to say. For heaven’s sake, it’s a journal it can’t think. Sometimes I don’t even write sentences. I’ll write phrases or lists.

It doesn’t matter what method you choose. You can talk to a friend or therapist. You can paint your heart’s desire but don’t let the turmoil sit there. Heck use it to work out but use it. Get it out of your system to move on.

Mindfulness Is Key

Meditation has made a dramatic change in my life. I’ll be honest I could carve out more time for it. But on days when I feel that I’m going to explode, I make it a priority. Starting off small with guided meditations makes a world of difference. You don’t even have to do sit-down meditations. You can take a walk or stare out a window. But whatever you do focus on your breath and let your thoughts pass.

Take Care of Your Body Too

Also something I’m not the best at keeping up with but is quite important. It’s almost impossible to feel guilty about working out. There’s nothing but good that can come from exercising. It will definitely boost your mood too. Food is just as important too. You’re not going to feel good if you’ve been eating fried crap.

Add a Little Pizzaz

This part is what I look forward to the most on a bad day. I want something a little special. Sometimes I’ll buy a face mask and indulge. I’ll go for a little drive. I’ll drink tea while listening to my favorite podcast. I love giving myself permission to enjoy something for the sake of enjoying it. Not trying to be productive, thin, or rich but simply for my enjoyment.

There’s so much you can do when you take a mental health day. It will vary for everyone. I want to make it clear how beneficial these days can be because they can reset the funk you’re in. I know funks I’ve been in many. But when those mental challenges come it’s okay you haven’t failed it’s just life. Take it one day at a time. Hopefully, you’ll take one day for yourself.