Like most people, you probably have a jam-packed schedule pretty much every day of the week.
You juggle between your 9-to-5 job and fending for the little humans in your life. Even if you don’t have kids to care for, there’s a list of endless obligations that come with being an adult.
Handling all these responsibilities can take a toll on you both physically and mentally. But while it’s easy to recognize physical fatigue, identifying mental stress is not as black and white. As a result, many don’t realize that they need a mental health break until they reach their breaking point. To avoid this, I’ll be sharing three signs that indicate the need for a mental health day.
What Is a Mental Health Day?
This is a day when you intentionally take a break from work or study and cut back on your obligations and commitments. You spend this time engaging in relaxing or stress-relieving activities that also allow you to have some fun.
A mental health day gives you an opportunity to take a much-needed break from the everyday hustle and bustle. It allows you to hit pause on the work-life cycle and just regroup so you can embark on your routine reinvigorated.
Unfortunately, many don’t know when to take these mental health days. So here are a few telltale signs that you’re long overdue for one.
3 Signs You Should Take a Mental Health Break
You’re Constantly Fatigued
I know first-hand how tiring it can be to juggle work and family life. However, there’s a difference between being simply tired and chronic fatigue.
With the former, all you need is one good night of interrupted sleep or a spa date and you’ll feel relaxed. But with the latter, the fatigue persists even after bed rest and/or engaging in relaxing activities. If you’ve been experiencing weariness that doesn’t go away after resting, you should consider taking a mental health day.
You’re Easily Irritated
When you’re excessively tired, you’ll find yourself losing temper over very minor issues. Remember that time when you snapped at your neighbor because their dog had been barking for just a couple of minutes. Or that time you reprimanded your youngster for not finishing their school project in time.
If you’ve noticed yourself getting irritated easily, you might want to check your stress levels and take a mental health break. “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
You’re Anxious About Work
Do you wake up in the morning feeling extremely anxious about going to work? Does the thought of getting out of bed and commuting to work make you dreadful?
If you’ve been experiencing such emotions, taking a break might be a good idea. The mental health day will give you time to reflect on your anxiety and identify the underlying issues. Perhaps, you’re tired of doing the same thing and prefer to change your career. Or maybe you just need a long break from work to re-energize so you can come back with fresh ideas.
Mental health days should never be taken for granted, especially for individuals who shuffle between familial obligations and work. The three main warning signs that you should take a mental health break are chronic fatigue, irritability and extreme anxiety.
