The benefits of taking a mental health day

Right now, there are more than enough things to worry about. What matters is how you handle the mental burdens that start weighing on you. Mental health should be just as much of a priority as tending to your physical condition. That said, when was the last time you took a mental health day?

This form of self-care is so important to managing stress and making sure you feel more prepared to handle life’s everyday stressors when they arise. What you do doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you should use this respite. For instance, some might find comfort in going on a hike, practicing yoga, getting lost in a good book, or binge-watching a show. You could take one during the workweek by taking a personal day. Or you could simply carve out a day on the weekend when you pledge to stop running around and relax.

However you choose to pamper yourself, the key is that you do it regularly. The benefits really start to add up when it’s a habit. Here’s a look at some of the perks:

Enhanced concentration

Rest gives our brains time to reset and recover from the demands of a busy life. To be able to focus fully, your brain must be able to block out all external stimuli, something it can’t do when you’re stressed out or exhausted. This means the best time to plan or work on a detail-oriented or involved project might be after a vacation.

Better sleep

Unfortunately, stress can really wreak havoc on our circadian rhythms. This is due in part to the fact that stress leads to anxiety, which makes it difficult to turn off our minds and get into a restful sleep. Then it becomes a vicious cycle — lack of sleep makes you exhausted which makes you uneasy and more susceptible to mood swings. That’s why engaging in activities that help promote rest can be a boon to sleep. Think taking a warm bath or reading a book in bed.

Better relationships

Anyone who’s been in a serious relationship knows how their partner’s mood can affect theirs. That’s why taking time for you is good for you personally but also for the relationship as a unit. Taking time off together can manifest its own benefits.

Better overall outlook

Doing the same thing day in and day out isn’t good for our mental state. We can start to feel stagnant or even depressed about the future. Taking a mental health day can help you feel more in control of your own life and better equipped to handle curveballs. What’s your favorite way to spend a mental health day?