Lately, I’ve been feeling quite irritable. My partner has noticed, my kids have noticed, and my body has definitely noticed it as well. After apologizing for my snappish behavior once again, my partner suggested that I take a day just for myself.
After a week of thought, I finally carved out a mental health day, hoping it would rejuvenate me and help me feel like my old self again. But that’s not how it unfolded. You might already guess where this is going because, let’s face it, we all tend to fall into the same patterns.
I woke up much earlier than usual because I had so much to accomplish on this supposed mental health day. After squeezing in a run and a quick shower, I dropped off my tax documents. While I felt relieved to have that off my plate, I then rushed to the grocery store to stock up for the week.
On my way back to the car, I couldn’t help but notice how filthy it was, so I took it through the car wash and vacuumed out the remnants of the sandbox and some fast food wrappers. I hurried home to put away the groceries before the ice cream melted, only to realize I completely forgot to pick up the sushi I had promised myself for lunch.
By noon, I was feeling anything but relaxed. I vacuumed the house and promised myself that from then on, I would just watch the Hallmark Channel and unwind. But just as I settled onto the couch, my phone buzzed with a message from my child’s teacher, my ex called about our child’s graduation, and I remembered that my daughter had an orthodontist appointment.
This was not how you’re supposed to spend a mental health day! Instead of feeling recharged, I felt even more drained due to my lack of planning. I realized I hadn’t taken the time to consider what I truly needed to feel better.
To get some guidance, I reached out to Sarah Matthews, a therapist and life coach. She shared valuable insights on how to truly enjoy a mental health day.
Assess Your Needs
First, you need to assess what you genuinely need. It could be a day spent reading or perhaps some uninterrupted time for spring cleaning, which you know will ultimately make you feel good. “While a bubble bath or a good book might seem like ideal self-care, if it’s not what you really want, skip it! Your definition of self-care is uniquely yours,” Matthews explains.
Prioritize Your Desires
It’s crucial to dedicate your time to activities you desire, not just what you think you ought to do. “If you find yourself feeling guilty for taking time to relax instead of being productive, it’ll only lead to more resentment and fatigue,” she adds.
Plan Ahead
Planning is key. Start thinking about your needs a few days in advance and create a few plans. “If you haven’t considered your own needs in a while, it may take some time to figure out what you truly want,” Matthews points out. Once you have some ideas, make plans but avoid over-scheduling yourself. Overloading your day can lead to chaos, leaving you more exhausted than before.
Small Daily Moments
If a full day isn’t feasible right now, you can still manage small, daily moments to recharge. Matthews suggests looking at your schedule and thinking about what you need each day. “If exercise reduces your stress, make sure to fit in some workouts throughout the week. If more sleep is necessary, schedule in naps,” she advises.
Since my disorganized mental health day, I’ve adopted the practice of doing something small for myself each day. Whether it’s painting my nails, buying a new fragrance, or even enjoying dinner while watching HGTV, these little gestures are making a difference.
Remember, you are worth the time and effort it takes to plan a meaningful mental health day.
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Summary
Taking a mental health day requires thoughtful planning and a focus on what you truly need to feel rejuvenated. Instead of getting caught up in chores and responsibilities, prioritize your own desires and create a plan that allows for relaxation and self-care.