What is a Mental Health Day? How to Use This Time Wisely
The concept of mental health days has entered the mainstream consciousness during the past decade. Many employers provide them as an option for taking time off, in addition to other leave days. But what is a mental health day and how should you use it?
There’s still a stigma when it comes to talking about mental health, but there are signs that this is changing. The way people speak about mental health days is a particularly positive shift. Not so long ago, few people would dare mention that they were taking time off for the sake of their psychological wellbeing.
That’s not to say that everyone finds it easy. If you have a hard time even considering taking a mental health day, let alone talking about it, you’re not alone. Misconceptions related to mental wellness still abound and most of us have internalized them.
So, for those who are worried that taking a mental health day is an excuse for laziness or a convenient way to get out of work, let’s clarify why this time is important and how to use it wisely.
What is a Mental Health Day?
A mental health or self-care day refers to any time taken off from work or school for the sake of your psychological wellbeing. They are provided in addition to or as part of your available sick days and are meant to benefit both you and your employer or institution.
Common reasons people take mental health days include:
- Overwhelm or burnout
- Persistent anxiety or stress
- Struggles with focus or productivity
- Emotional exhaustion
- Preventing mental health issues from worsening
While employee wellness health days may be subject to regulations so as to prevent their misuse, they are generally provided without the necessity to overexplain or be subjected to intrusive questions.
What is the Point of a Mental Health Day?
It is important to note that a mental health day is not the same as taking time off for the treatment of mental illness. That time would fall under sick leave, just like any other illness. You may be required to bring a note from your mental health professional, as you would from your physician when staying home with a physical illness.
But, if it’s not for the treatment of mental illness, what is the point of a mental health day?
This is where a clearer understanding of mental health becomes important. Mental health is not the opposite of mental illness. Rather, it is a general state of wellbeing, unencumbered by stress, persistent worries, overthinking, and fatigue. When a person is healthy, they are generally at ease, finding meaning and pleasure in life. They have a healthy work-life balance.
No one has ‘perfect’ mental health all the time, of course. As with all kinds of wellbeing, we exist on a spectrum. It is when we find ourselves coming close to illness that it becomes necessary to make use of a mental health day. The time off is intended as an opportunity to refresh, letting go of some of stress and pressure and recharging.
When Can I Take a Mental Health Day?
Unlike when it comes to illness, there is no objective way to measure where a person is on the spectrum of wellness. As such, when you take a mental health day is at your discretion and you do not need to ‘prove’ that you need it.
That being said, it is up to your employer or institution as to the official categorization of your time off. Some organizations provide paid time off specifically for mental health days. Others consider them a part of your sick leave. In some instances, you may have to take these days as part of what is available from your annual leave, whether that is paid or unpaid.
While there are no federal laws regarding mental health days, your area may have regulations surrounding them. Some states, for example, mandate paid sick leave and include mental health days. Other states mandate that paid leave is provided every year without employees having to specify the reason.
How to Use a Mental Health Day
We’ve all been there. Close to burnout after a particularly grueling time in our work or home lives, we decide to dedicate a weekend to our wellness. We plan to do a digital detox, postpone any responsibilities, meditate, attend yoga classes, and spend some time at a spa. But, just a few hours in, we find ourselves sitting in front of the TV, our grand ambitions having fallen by the wayside.
There are a number of reasons this happens. Often, it is because we put too much pressure on ourselves to make the most of this time. It can also be because we don’t value mental wellbeing in the same way we do physical health and therefore struggle to hold ourselves accountable to our plans.
Using a mental health day wisely requires taking a step back, recognizing that taking care of our mental health is not easy, and getting external help when possible.
Here are some tips:
Speak to a pro
Few people know how best to go about taking care of their mental health. Meditation sounds like a simple concept, for example, but actually doing it can be incredibly difficult, especially if you haven’t practiced before. The same is true for the vague concept of ‘relaxation’ or committing to a digital detox.
Wellness professionals can help you come up with a plan that is valuable but also sustainable. If you see a therapist, ask them their thoughts on how you can take advantage of this time.
Don’t overcommit
In the same way that you can’t run a marathon if you don’t start with a single mile, you can’t spend a whole day on mental wellness practices if you don’t have a foundation. Commit to ten minute periods for mindfulness or a beginner’s yoga class. Journal for a set amount of time. Allow the rest of your time for things you enjoy which relax you, even if that is watching a comforting movie.
Get outside
One of the reasons our mental health can suffer in modern life is that we do not connect with the natural world. This leads to vitamin D deficiencies and a general lack of groundedness. Don’t spend your whole mental health day in your house if you can help it. Go for a walk or take some time to sit and enjoy a local park.
Conclusion
Mental health days can be incredibly important to prevent burnout and maintain wellness. They are not an excuse to skip work and you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking advantage of them. Make sure to prepare in advance to get the most out of your mental health days.
References
Harvard Health: Do you need a mental health day?
VeryWellMind: It’s OK to Take a Mental Health Day–When and How to Ask for One
