I’ve been feeling quite irritable lately. My partner has noticed, my children have noticed, and even my body has been reacting. After apologizing for my snappy comments to my kids (again, in front of my partner), he suggested I take a day just for myself.
After a week of contemplation, I finally decided to make it happen. I was convinced this mental health day would rejuvenate me and bring back my old self. But to be honest, that didn’t happen at all.
You might guess how my day unfolded—because I know many of you can relate. I jumped out of bed much earlier than usual, eager to accomplish everything on my agenda. I went for a run, rushed through a shower, and then took care of some tax paperwork. Relief washed over me as I completed that task, but then I made a pit stop at the grocery store to stock up on a week’s worth of food for my family.
On my way back, I realized how dirty my car was and decided to get it washed, followed by a quick vacuum to remove the remnants of fast food and sand from the beach. Once home, I hurried to put away the groceries before my ice cream melted, only to realize I had forgotten the sushi I promised myself for lunch.
By the time I settled onto the couch, it was already past noon, and I felt no sense of relaxation from this so-called mental health day. As I tried to unwind, my phone buzzed with a message from my child’s teacher, followed by a call from my ex about our son’s graduation, and I remembered my daughter had an orthodontist appointment scheduled.
This was not how to properly enjoy a mental health day! In fact, my poor planning left me feeling more drained and stressed than before, as I realized I hadn’t really thought about what would truly help me recharge.
To gain some insight, I consulted with Emily Johnson, a therapist and life coach. She shared valuable tips on how to plan a mental health day effectively. Here’s what she recommends:
- Identify Your Needs: Reflect on what you truly need that day. It could be reading a book in peace, or perhaps tackling a long-overdue home project that would provide satisfaction. “Self-care is personal,” Emily emphasizes. If a bubble bath isn’t what you want, then skip it and focus on what truly matters to you.
- Prioritize Your Preferences: Use this time to do what you genuinely want rather than what you feel obligated to do. If you think lounging in bed all day is too indulgent, you might end up resentful and more fatigued.
- Plan Ahead: Consider your needs a few days before your mental health day. Emily suggests that if you haven’t prioritized your needs in a while, it may take time to figure out what they are. But once you do, create a plan without overscheduling yourself to avoid running around aimlessly.
- Daily Self-Care: If a full day isn’t possible now, incorporate small self-care practices into your routine. Emily recommends looking at your schedule and identifying what you can do each day to relieve stress. Whether it’s a quick workout, a power nap, or just enjoying a few moments of quiet, make time for yourself.
Since that chaotic mental health day, I’ve taken Emily’s advice to heart. I now try to do at least one small thing for myself each day, like painting my nails, indulging in a new fragrance, or enjoying a show after dinner. These little acts of self-care have made a significant difference in my well-being.
Remember, you are deserving of care and attention. Take the time to plan a mental health day that truly rejuvenates you.
For more insights on improving your mental wellness, check out this article on mental health days.
Summary:
Taking a mental health day can be beneficial if done correctly. Identify your true needs, prioritize activities you enjoy, plan ahead, and incorporate small acts of self-care into your daily routine. Remember, it’s essential to focus on what makes you feel relaxed and recharged.
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