The Stakes: Your Health
You may be wondering, “It’s just stress. What do I care?” Chronic stress is not only annoying, it’s dangerous for health. Skip your favorite scary movie; it is not any monster that can cause arthritis, heart disease or even COPD but stress. Yeah, it’s not fun at all.
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Knowing when to take a time out is sometimes more complicated, unlike a red light at a traffic stop. For instance, your sleep patterns may speak volumes about your cognitive health. Therefore, if tossing and turning in sleep or clicking the button on the alarm is becoming frequent, call it a day.
Read the Signs
The world communicates strangely with the stars. Surprisingly enough, your body is susceptible to this also. Keeping on getting sick more often? Why not listen to your immune system rather than your boss? These might be nothing more than your “check engine” body signal lighting up with pain in your head, pains in your belly, or just tensity.
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However, it’s not only physical aspects but also habits that you are accustomed to you. The comfort of alcohol, or maybe the heavenly hit of an adrenaline shot? These may indicate that it is about time that you take a well-deserved break.
Emotional Flags
Suppose a simple thing such as playing with your cat leaves you irritated and ready to explode or if a movie or serial leaves tears in your eyes, a break is needed. However, emotions are not mere responses indicating a state of mind.
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How is your concentration nowadays? If this is your third read of this paragraph because you lost concentration, it means that you are suffering from brain fog. In addition, it is certainly not something nice for sure, particularly if you need to work.
Different Faces of Anxiety
Let’s get real about anxiety. It’s an individually unique malady. It can sometimes be a mental process working like in a Formula One race or even a panic attack. And even if your usual coping skills are not working, you might want to go for take two of a non-prescribed mental health day.
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Therefore, you have chosen to stay out for a day; what next? The first piece of advice: Plan it! Don’t wake up and go to sleep after that. It is unnecessary except if you feel comfortable with your supervisor, and in such a case, you can discuss why you must have the day off.
Planning The Day
Mental health is health. If you are dealing with stress, anxiety or depression, calling in sick is definitely justified. So there’s no need to feel guilty about it.
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Your mental health day’s agenda should be about improving your mental well-being. Need extra Zs? Sleep isn’t just for preschoolers. Have a midday sleep and watch your spirits rise.
The Art of Pampering
Now, let’s get to the fun part: pampering yourself! Have you ever tried a home Spa day? Put on your best comfy dress and a magical mask. Taking a bubble bath in a tub at home is not just about luxury; it is therapeutic.
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Your little oasis is your mental health day. Make it free from the distractions and stressors. Avoid anything that tampers with your vibes and enjoy bliss on your deserved rest period.
Digital Detox
What is the best thing you can ever do for yourself? Unplug. Yes, unplug. Set your phone to no disturb and refrain from checking work emails or scrolling through social media. Just as your brain needs a break from the physical world, it also needs a rest from the digital world.
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That alone does not mean you have to sit in a dark room thinking about the meaning of life. Rediscover hobbies that are not linked to the screen during this day. Whatever makes you tick, such as sketching, knitting, cooking, or even daydreaming.
Nature's Therapy
Ever heard of ecotherapy? It’s a fancy term for something you already know: nature heals. As much as possible, spend part of your day out. Even something as simple as a walk, jogging, or just sitting in a park can be helpful to your mind.
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However, today, not all people have a forest or beach nearby. Even if you’re city-bound, opening windows can make you feel like you are in the open air. It involves rebooting senses and getting yourself on the ground again.
Food for Thought
Let’s talk grub. Make sure that on this special day, you don’t only eat but feed yourself. Instead, avoid fast food and eat something else that appeals to your taste buds and is healthier. Indeed, consuming foods rich in antioxidants, better fats, and vitamins can make you feel better.
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But as far as that’s concerned, people ought to be allowed to indulge a little. Why not if your idea of heaven is a piece of chocolate or a scoop of ice cream? You should search for a balance that leaves you satisfied but not stuffed or starved.
Physical Movement
There is nothing about killing yourself with a hard workout (unless that is your thing). Even something as easy as stretches or yoga can calm one’s mind. Endorphins are the body’s version of “feel-good” hormones released when you do physical activity.
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Wrap up your day, and then take some time to reflect. You might write down your thoughts as you reflect on what you felt at the end of the self-care day. Is it liberating? Calming? Either way, you’ve earned it.