Four ways taking a mental health day will benefit you
We all know how important it is to take regular annual leave from work. Failing to take enough breaks from your work responsibilities could ultimately lead to burnout which can affect both the quality of your work and your general wellbeing.
To make the most of your time off, you may want to consider taking a mental health day. While any day off will help to support your mental wellbeing, designating this time to exclusively aid your health will ultimately prove beneficial to both your personal and professional life.
In this post, we outline four ways in which you can benefit from making mental health days a part of your working schedule.
1. Reduce feelings of burnout
Burnout can affect any individual in any profession. Symptoms can come on quickly or develop steadily over time if enough isn’t done to prevent them from setting in. One of the most prominent causes of burnout is feeling overwhelmed with an unmanageable workload. Unfortunately when we’re busy at work, it’s often difficult to find the time to step away from professional duties – but this is when it’s most important to do so.
Taking a mental health day can help you to reset and spend more valuable time focusing on yourself and your own wellbeing. Even though it may sound counterintuitive, taking your mind off your workload can help you return to work in a more positive frame of mind ready to handle your responsibilities.
2. Feel more in control
Taking a mental health day gives you the opportunity to complete those tasks that’ve been pushed down the list, potentially due to work stresses. By getting a handle on things in your personal life that you may have been putting off, you will be helping to support different facets of your mental health, including reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
This means you can return to work with a clearer mind, better able to focus on the task at hand during your working hours.
3. Chance to review your routine
Everyone has those days where they don’t quite feel themselves. But if you notice yourself suffering from a low mood or experiencing negative thoughts over a prolonged period of time, it’s important you make a conscious effort to alter your habits.
Perhaps you’ve fallen into a bad routine or have picked up harmful coping mechanisms to help you get through the working day. Taking a step back from your daily routine can encourage you to see more clearly and identify ways you can optimise your time.
4. Make mental health a priority
Even if you can’t commit to an entire day, try and factor some time into your schedule each day dedicated to looking after yourself. Doing little and often will have a positive effect on your long-term wellbeing, mental health and productivity – both in and out of work.
If you feel like you need support towards better mental wellbeing, we’re here for you. Get in touch with us and together, we will take the first initial step towards a brighter tomorrow.