How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day
What to do with it?
You have decided to take a mental health day! Or perhaps it was decided for you with the comments from an employer or coworker - “You should really take a day off!”. It may be your body screaming louder as you have not been listening to the quiet voices saying “ slow down, don’t be so serious, or __________ (fill in the blank). So, decision made, you are taking a mental health day. What to do with it? It might be easier to give you suggestions on what “not” to do with it. Do not fill it with your to do lists mostly generated by others. Do not use it as an opportunity to clean your bathroom floor on your hands and knees, unless that really, truly brings you JOY. If it does, then at least put on your favorite music and do it mindfully!
I do have suggestions, however, on what to do with this Mental Health Day. First of all, set your expectations low. That means be realistic and have a sense of curiosity. If you live in a household with others, how are you going to navigate that? Will they be out of the house working, at childcare or school? If not, will others have primary responsibility, or is it best for you to find a place to be for the day. It’s best to plan ahead on this part. Next, sit for a moment, perhaps close your eyes, take some relaxing cleansing breaths, and ask yourself, what would make your heart sing? Stay quiet, and see what answer you get. It may surprise you. And then consider checking that out, and feel free to course correct like the GPS on your phone. For example, it seemed like going to the local coffee shop and splurging on a latte and cozying up to start a novel that has been on your shelf would be just the thing for you. However you get there, and there is a group of raucous teens on spring break enjoying themselves. If you enjoy their laughter, fine, stay. If you find yourself getting irritated and starting to spin a story, just get up and leave. Maybe there is a nearby park that allows you to walk and sip. Make it a mindful day. In other words, be gentle with the day and yourself, with ample doses of belly breathing. Perhaps it is an opportunity to start a gratitude journal, beginning with the awareness that this is a day to be grateful for. Perhaps for you, a mental health day involves a trusted friend. Feel free to include them, and consider letting them know what you need. For example, “ I really need a mental health day. I would like you to join me for lunch, however, I may need support from you. Are you resourced for that?”. Or “ I just need someone to listen, and not give me advice”. I would suggest being very careful about choosing someone to share this time with you. My suggestion would be to consider sharing it with your best friend, which is YOU!
It can be lovely to try something new, perhaps walking into an art store and getting some awesome markers to express yourself on the page, without judgment !! Perhaps you have been wanting to try a yoga class, now that they have opened up. Stop, check in with your heart and gut and proceed if the answer is a full body yes.
Leave time for spaciousness and lingering. Gently follow the clues of what makes your heart sing. Above all, promise yourself that this is only the beginning, and that Mental Health Days, or even Hours are a part of your future.
Would you like more guidance on tapping into the Wisdom of your heart?
Schedule your free call with Dr. Kathy Farah.