Mental Day Off
We have all been at our wits’ end at some point or another in our lives. Stressed about work, school, and relationships. Anxious about your finances, bills, and the economy. Nervous about your health, the stock market, and retirement. Whatever socioeconomic class you are in, we all share pretty much the same stresses, anxieties, and nervousness. Obviously some people have it harder than others, but that’s all subjective.
Everyday life is a grind. We are asked to do more and more each day in the same amount of time as before. A typical work day for most of the western world looks something like this: You wake up early in the morning, usually before the sun comes up. Perhaps workout before getting ready for work. Then, endure a long commute to work for a job you don’t love. Work for a minimum of eight hours (if you’re lucky). Take that long commute back home. Make dinner. Spend time with your significant other. Check all your social media accounts and reply to endless emails until you’re exhausted and go to bed way too late.
This type of schedule is unsustainable if you don’t take a break. People in the United States are statistically horrible about taking vacations and completely disconnecting from work. We are so bad that a recent study noted stress and overwork in the labor force is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Fifth?! Holy crap!
Now, I’ll have to admit that I am just as guilty as the next guy when it comes to having a tough schedule and not taking enough vacations during the year. I work two jobs, I am a real estate investor, I mentor new nursing graduates, I hold a board position in my employer’s veterans’ group, and I am a blogger (that one is weird to say). I, too, get stressed, anxious, and nervous about all the aforementioned things. But, I have learned when to say when.
So, when do you know it’s time to take a mental break? It’s just like sustaining a physical injury from working out. If you’ve injured a certain part of your body and you’re in pain, you give yourself time to recuperate from the injury before working it out again. For me, I have to pay attention to my brain’s exhaustion level. I have to “take the temperature of the room” and assess where I am at mentally. This is done by analyzing my mood, attitude, and patience. By practicing these methods, I know when it’s time for me to completely disconnect and take a “mental day” off.
Admittedly it has been awhile, but I finally took my mental day(s) off over the weekend. Typically, I go to the beach to recharge my battery. Something about the smell of the salty air, the sound of the crashing waves, and the feeling of the ocean water on my skin clears my mind of all the everyday worries. At the beach, I am able to disconnect from everything and live in the moment peacefully. It is very hard for me to describe the magical healing powers the ocean has on me, but I’m sure everyone has somewhere they go that gives them that same feeling.
I am all for taking as many mental days off as possible, but you can take mental breaks everyday between your planned vacations. Going for a walk is one of the best things you can do to clear your mind and relax. Daily walks can also help you come up with new ideas, problem solve, and give your body some much needed physical exercise. Other things you can do to give yourself a mental break include deep breathing, meditation, reading, journaling, and some form of physical exercise. When done daily, these practices can help lessen the need for full mental health days off and prevent you from feeling constantly overwhelmed.
Remember, we are all human. We are not robots. We need to take breaks when our minds and bodies are telling us to so start listening and pay attention to your cues. Take that mental health day off and invest in your mental wealth. Do it for your health. Do it for your longevity. And do it for those around you who are counting on you. Because if you’re not right with yourself, you can’t be right for others.
Disclaimer: I started this blog as more of a therapeutic journal to document and share my life with others who are interested in listening. My blog posts will solely be based on my thoughts, opinions, and experiences as I work on my own path towards Mental Wealth. As I acquire new information along the way, my stance may change to reflect the new things I’ve learned. I, too, am a work in progress so please be patient, be kind, and bear with me. Thank you. - CM