Are you often feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed at work? While certain jobs can be more stressful than others, you need to be aware of your mental health just as you would with your physical health. If your mental health is interfering with your work performance, you might need to take a mental health day.
What’s a mental health day?
A mental health day is a day off work to rest and recharge your emotional, psychological and social well-being. It might not be as common as a day off because of sickness or injury, but it’s just as necessary. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada “About 21.4% of the working population in Canada currently experience mental health problems and illnesses”. One thing a mental health day can’t do is cure serious mental illnesses such as depression. Check with your doctor to make sure you’re not suffering from a serious condition if a mental health day doesn’t provide any relief. For a guide to taking the perfect mental health day, continue reading!
How to take a mental health day in 3 steps
1. Plan your day off in advance You shouldn’t be stressed about work on your day off. The best way to avoid work anxiety is to plan your day off as thoroughly as possible. Set your day off during a slow day at work if possible and coordinate with your colleagues about any upcoming deadlines. Don’t be afraid to talk to your boss either; lots of companies have actual mental health days set aside for employees, and as long as your boss knows you’ll be on top of your work they should have no problem with it.
2. Sleep! Sleeping problems are one of the surest signs that you need a mental health day. Catch up on some ZZZ’s during your day off and you’ll find yourself to be less stressed and significantly more energetic.
3. Reach out to those close to you A mental health day is the perfect time to reconnect with loved ones. Sometimes work can seemingly take up your whole life and leave you without any time for friends and family. Don’t feel guilty about seeing someone on your day off - being able to talk to a close friend about your situation could be just what you need! Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. While an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, and medicine (like the flu shot)can help you to stay physically health, maintaining mental health isn’t as simple a formula. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed don’t hesitate to act - either by taking a day off, or contacting your doctor. For more resources on mental health in the workplace, consider our links below!
Resources:
Mental Health Commission of Canada - Making the Case for Investing in Mental Health in Canada Ontario Mental Health Association - Stigma and Discrimination Benefits Canada - Employers need to offer mental health days
Source Url: http://gobelmont.ca/take-a-mental-health-day/