Mental health conditions affect one in four people worldwide. You would think, then, that mental health days would become standard practice in the workplace. Unfortunately, that is not yet the case. In one sense, though, a mental health day can fall under the umbrella of paid sick leave, which many companies do provide. While some employers are taking proactive steps and implementing policies specific to mental well-being, don’t fret if yours isn’t one of them. You can and should still take a day off to dedicate to your mental well-being. Here’s how to know when you need one:
You’re exhausted
Are you dependent on your three-a-day lattes to keep you afloat? If so, you’re not alone. According to one study, nearly 50 percent of people report being “often or always exhausted” due to work. When you are fatigued, not only does the quality of your work suffer but your body suffers too, especially your brain. When you’re exhausted, your brain cells literally die, your cognitive responses slow way down, and your brain struggles to regulate your emotions. None of these things make for a valuable employee or a particularly happy person. If you’re exhausted, take a day (or two, or three) to rest and get back on track. This is often easier said than done, as some of us will know. If you’re unable to get days off, you need to find another way to reduce some of the stress that might be making you tired. Often, a lot of people say that certain strains of cannabis can actually help with this. If you’d like to see some of the strains available, you might want to visit getkush.io (Visit this website here). Some people might find this method beneficial. If this isn’t for you, you could consider looking at other methods online.
You can’t remember the great outdoors
In the summer, you may be lucky enough to get some sunshine in your downtime. But now it’s autumn, and soon enough it’ll be winter, and you’re getting to work before the sun rises and not heading home until after it sets. What is more, you’re sitting in an office under harsh fluorescent lights the majority of the time. These lights have been linked to a myriad of health problems, including mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, and even depression. You may not be able to convince your boss to change the lighting, but taking some time off to spend in natural lighting is well within your control. Schedule a sick day and head out to your nearest state park to try some forest bathing, that is, spending quality time with nature (no swimsuit required).
Your family feels like a second job
Are you one of the 25.1 million mothers with children under the age of 18 in the workforce today? If so, you may feel like you clock out from one job to immediately begin working on the second that of running a household and caring for children. It’s no wonder that a quarter of working moms break down in tears once a week. And if once a week sounds like nothing, let that be an even greater indication of how badly you need to take a mental health day. Get a sitter for the kids and spend some quality quiet time with your significant other or just spend a full day, and maybe even night, by yourself. Netflix is all the company you may need while you rest and recharge.
What you do on your mental health day doesn’t much matter as long as you are focused on improving your mental health. Maybe you could read that book you’ve been putting off or even ordering that gift box you’ve been wanting to try for so long. There are so many different types to pamper yourself such as books, wine, food or even a monthly delivery of marijuana products like those that come in the Nugg Club Box. Find something that works best for you to help relieve the stress and anxiety you’re feeling. It’s as important to relax your mind after a huge amount of stress as it is to relax your body after exercising, you need to give yourself the time to heal. And please, don’t feel guilty for taking time to yourself. Your husband, kids, employer, and even your own self need you to make your mental health a priority. You have our permission to call out tomorrow.
Feature photo:Alex Bl?jan / Unsplash
We had this discussion here in Barbados . I do not think employers here believe in mental health days . We all need a break sometimes to refresh and rejuvenate . When I am exhausted I am not hesitant to take time off and take care of my self . You only have one body it makes no sense wearing yourself down in the end you will of no use to anyone
@Tachira We hope one day every employer will give mental health days. It will give employees the extra time to be healthy, mentally and physically, and perform at their best on the job. We are glad you take the time off you need and deserve. XO
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