How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day

Mental Health Days Are Sick Days

Yesterday, my daughter called from Jr High and said she wasn’t feeling well. When she called, she was met with empathy and compassion and immediate action.

That’s so different from when we call into work. Even when we work for ourselves. There is this underlying question, do I really feel bad enough to not work? Maybe your needing to work and can’t afford the time off. I’m here to say, if things have been hard lately, you can’t afford not to.

Recently, I took a licensure exam and built into the 4 hour test was a few breaks. You can’t push through bad mental health days, just like you can’t push through a 4 hour licensure test. You need rest, refueling, and respite.

Next time you wake up and need a sick day, like when you were in grade school, be your own mom and show yourself some empathy and compassion. Your work will improve when you take care of your mind and body. That’s a holistic view of mental health.