Everyone feels overwhelmed once in a while. You may have been going full steam ahead and haven’t made time for yourself. If you’re not feeling like yourself and are distracted and anxious, it’s time for a mental health day.
A mental health day means you take the day to relax and (ideally) only care for yourself.
Self-care is essential, revolve the day around the things you love. Whether it’s journaling or going on a hike, have a few activities in mind. Focus on taking care of yourself, so you can go back to life feeling rejuvenated.
Are you not sure if you need a mental health day?
Pay attention to these signs, so you’ll know when you’ve reached your max. Instead of fighting it, permit yourself to rest and let go!
1. You’re Not Getting Enough Rest
Did you know that a lack of sleep can lead to anxiety and depression?
After all, your body needs sleep to recover overnight. If it’s not getting enough rest, it’s normal not to feel like yourself.
If you find you’re up late and are experiencing anxiety, your body is trying to tell you something. Yes, you should get more rest. But you should also figure out why you’re not getting enough zzzs.
You may be overworked or have too many family responsibilities. As a result, everything is compounding, and you’re not making enough time for sleep.
To get more sleep, take a break and brainstorm how to get more rest moving forward. Creating a plan will ensure your sleep comes first so you’ll be more productive and happy.
2. You Take Things Out on Your Family and Colleagues
You may find you’re short-tempered at work. The same may be the case when you’re at home, too. You’re getting mad when a parent says something you don’t like or a friend doesn’t show up on time for an outing.
If you’re taking your frustrations out on other people, you’re having a hard time coping.
Typically, you’re an even-keeled person who keeps their emotions in check. So the fact that you’re having a difficult time keeping your cool should tell you something.
Be introspective and figure out what’s going on internally.
More importantly, give yourself some time away to recuperate (it’s necessary, so you don’t get mad at the people you care about).
3. You’re Going Through a Loss
You may have taken time off due to the loss of a loved one. Even if that’s true, you may need to take more mental health days in the future.
Grief is not linear and may hit you when you least expect it. If you have vacation days (or even if you don’t), it won’t hurt to take some time off.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and can’t concentrate, you won’t be productive anyway.
Allowing yourself to grieve is a part of the healing process. So work on being gentle and patient with yourself during this time.
4. You Feel Like Breaking Down
If you’re close to having a full-on meltdown, that means you need time to decompress. Emotions coming to the surface means you’re struggling.
A loved one may be going through a health issue, or you’re struggling emotionally. There are all sorts of things in life that can push you over the edge, and that’s not where you want to be.
It’s hard to feel like yourself if all you’re doing is working or caring for your family. So don’t wait until you feel like breaking down; take a few days for yourself.
Try spending time in nature or reading a good book. You deserve it!
5. You Can’t Concentrate
Not being able to concentrate puts a damper on productivity. It also conveys that you’re overwhelmed.
There are a few things to look out for that show you can’t concentrate. A few examples are that the computer screen looks blurry. And, you can’t remember anything about the book you’re reading.
Or, you’re not giving your latest work project your 100% effort. You can’t even remember what the point of the presentation was!
If you’re having a hard time staying focused, that means you need a break. Come back refreshed, and your concentration should improve!
6. Your Pet Can Sense Your Anxiety
Your dog may be acting weird because he senses you’re not doing so hot. He may be acting restless or staying near you more than he usually does.
Pets feed off our emotions, so you need to take care of yourself for their sake as well. Experts say that dogs absorb our emotions. So when you’re not doing well, they’re feeling what you’re feeling!
If your furry pal is acting up, they may be trying to tell you something, so listen up! It’s best to go back to your usual self ASAP for their sake so they can feel better too.
7. You’re Forgetful
When you’re stressed, it’s easy to forget the littlest of things.
Are you misplacing things and forgetting things you need?
One classic signal of forgetfulness is locking yourself out of the apartment. Or, you may fail to do something as simple as eating lunch.
Being scattered is another sign you’re overdoing it and need to press the reset button.
Keep going on the way you are, and something more serious could happen. For example, you might forget to turn the stove off, which could lead to disastrous consequences.
Better focus is vital, not only for your work life but for your home life, too!
Conclusion
We all need a mental health day once in a while.
In case you think you’re a machine who doesn’t need a break — think again. Sooner or later, you’re going to struggle and have to take time out.
So put down your superhero cape and focus on yourself. Only then will you be able to put your best foot forward in everything you do!
Author bio
Caitlin Sinclair is the Property Manager at Woodland Park with five years of property management experience and many more in Customer Service. She shares her passion for her community and looks forward to making Woodland Park the place to call home.
