Amanda Blankenship – Your mental health has a profound impact on other aspects of your life, including your finances. Although we often joke around about taking a mental health day, most of us could benefit from one time to time.
“Fake” Sick Days
Most of us throw around the words “mental health day” like they are a joke. The benefits of taking a day for yourself are just as big as taking a day to recover from illness. In fact, even though most folks have paid vacation and sick leave, they don’t take advantage of it.
However, mental health days are truly important to your overall well-being, whether you realize it or not. If you have the ability to take a day off and tend to your personal needs, you should, especially if you’re experiencing any of these signs.
9 Signs You Need a Mental Health Day
Everyone has hit a wall where they feel like they need a vacation. Once you’ve got there, it is typically a breaking point though. Usually, there are a few signs you need to take a day off before you reach your wit’s end.
1. Your sleep schedule isn’t right.
If you have been having trouble sleeping or have been sleeping at odd hours, consider taking a day off. Taking the day to rest and reset your body’s clock can make all the difference in the world for your mental health and overall sense of well-being.
2. You seem to be struggling to control your emotions.
When your mental health needs attention sometimes you’ll have trouble controlling your emotions. You may find yourself crying more than usual or having mood swings. If this is the case, consider taking a day to unplug and relax. Do a few of your favorite things.
3. You have a low tolerance for the presence of others.
Another sign of a much-needed mental health day is an overall low tolerance being around others. Small things that normally wouldn’t bother you are getting under your skin and it seems everyone in the workplace’s main goal is to drive you insane. If that’s the case, stay home and stay to yourself for a day. Watch some of your favorite movies, take naps, eat your favorite foods, and unplug from technology.
4. You find yourself having to talk yourself into going in.
If you have been sitting in your car outside of work considering whether or not you should go in, you are probably in need of a mental health day. Sometimes the stresses of our jobs can get to us. Maybe you haven’t had the time to do other things that are important to you. Whatever the case may be, this is a sign that you need to cash in a PTO day and stay home.
5. There’s a lack of enjoyment in everything you do.
This is a sign you are starting to slip into a depression. If you aren’t enjoying anything and have no enjoyment in the workplace, it is time for a day off! Maybe even make it a Monday or Friday to get the benefits of a three-day weekend.
6. Making any kind of decision seems daunting.
If decisions seem to cause immense anxiety, you need a day off. Stress and being overworked can often add to anxiety and make regular everyday tasks seem daunting. Stay home for the day and take it easy.
7. Focusing on anything seems impossible.
When you are so overwhelmed by your own mental health and environment, focusing can be difficult. If this seems to be happening to you, take a day off to regroup. Practice self-care in the form of organizing, planning, and doing things that will make focus a bit easier.
8. Your health has been suffering.
Sometimes stress and mental health problems can also take a serious toll on your physical well-being. Stress, anxiety, and being overworked can cause your immune system to be compromised and lead you to fall ill more often. If you find yourself catching the common cold a little too often, it may be time for a vacation!
9. You genuinely can’t remember the last time you took time off.
We all know someone that works so much they can’t really remember the last time they took actual time off. If that’s you, take a day now! You have no idea what benefits taking a single day off can have for your health and even your productivity at work.
These are just a few signs that you may be in need of a mental health day. If you’re feeling at all overwhelmed, consider taking a day off for yourself. When you come back refreshed and able to conquer your tasks in a productive manner, you’ll be glad you did. Heck, you might even get a raise…
Call us today at 208-683-8320 to take a control of your mental health or email us at kaylam@abmhealthservices.com