How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day
It is no secret that mental health is a popular and important topic in today’s society. We are finally having legitimate conversations about illnesses and disorders that millions of people worldwide experience to varying degrees. I have personally never experienced a mental health disorder but I have plenty of stressors or periods of grieve and anxiety in my life which has often left me feeling debilitated and vulnerable.
Most companies offer personal days, and I have many friends that do not use these days. “WHY?” - I will ask invasively. These are days that you are entitled to, in order to work on your mental state so you can be productive in your job. Many people experience burn out and still do not make the attempts to enhance their personal life which in turn trickle into their professional life.
The blog will cover the suggestions from my personal experiences around taking these important days to rejuvenate and push pause on an extremely busy lifestyle. The following are examples of things I will do during my well-deserved mental health day.
Good night sleep and set goals for the day
I really enjoy any opportunity in life to not set an alarm, hence I like to sleep early the night before so I can make the most of my special day. As I wake up, I do a breathing exercise and I set my intension for the day. Often the intension is to relax, feel centered once again, and enjoy the day that is all about ME!
Breakfast
I have myself a cinnamon latte, and sit on the couch with my most favourite animal, Winnie. As we are not in a rush to get to work, we have time to cook a bigger breakfast, with eggs and bacon. I eat our meal and try to think about the least amount as possible. I refrain from checking my email during the day and limit my screen time in general. The day is about surrounding myself with positive energy and love.
Get a massage at a spa
I have already booked a massage at a spa and plan to spend a few hours in a robe, truly acting bougie, the trick is if you fake it long enough, you become it. I love the Hammam Spa in Toronto because they have a beautiful Turkish steam room that I spend an hour in before my massage. I take advantage of the full experience with the complementary apples, almonds and tea. I end up le aving this experience feeling so relaxed and wonderful. Also, much of this cost is covered by my company benefits. (Make sure you are using your work benefits, they are part of your entire compensation package).
Get a manicure/pedicure
I find that many men have this flawed perception that getting a manicure and pedicure is for women and gay men. Now, I am not helping this stereotype but I think self-care for everyone is so important and men do not want to engage in these practices that help mental and physical health. Getting a manicure and pedicure feels so good, especially when they massage your legs, I already wear shorts or stretchy pants, my legs get the full experience. When it is done, my feet look and feel soft and I feel super relaxed.
Eat a meal/have a drink at the bar
It was not until I did a solo trip in 2017 that I really learned the power of being confident enough to eat and have a drink alone. It is one of the most liberating feelings and yet many of us have not experienced it. I challenge you to eat at the bar sometime. The connection, you end up making with the bartender, or what you learn about yourself is wild! We constantly think people need human connection in social settings, and this is not always true. When we are with friends and loved ones, our attention and focus is solely on them and not ourselves/others. Also, sometimes it is nice to eat and have a drink in peace.
Take a nap
By this point I am exhausted already, but I do not want to sit on the couch and get lost in a show. I want to rejuvenate for some time and wake up after a power nap to accomplish more of my set intention. . Naps help the body rest from the constant movement and thinking that is life, especially life as a young professional. I general do not nap for longer at 30-60 mins because if I do, I will wake up in disheveled, confused and upset the world. Once, I am up, it is time to continue on my journey.
Take a dance class
I grew up always dancing, every moment I could get I would dance around the house. I remember my family would move the coffee table for me and I would put on performances for the entire family. As I have grown up, my passion for dance has taken a backseat to life and I find that taking a dance class sparks joy for me. Engage in habit that you would do as a child. As silly as it might sound, I constantly think, what would 8 year old Rahim want to do right now? Dance allows me to express myself without using words or thinking too much. I really enjoy doing this on my mental health day. I find that it is a good work out but I did not feel like I spent my day off at the gym.
Take a bubble bath
I like to finish off my relaxing day with a bubble bath and a glass of wine or cocktail. I love getting to a bath and getting to relax with some Epsom salts. What a great want to treat the body for any aching. Especially after that dance class! Another comment that baths are for both men and women, and we need to continue to challenge these gender stereotypes that we are raised with. I often hear men say “I haven’t taken a bath since I was 10 years old” as if it is an accomplishment. I challenge you to bring out the rubber ducky and allow yourself to be relaxed again – you deserve it!
I feel like I listed a jam packed day, and that might not be what you are looking for. If this list makes you feel overwhelmed instead of excited, that is OK. I would select a 2-3 of these items and complete these on your mental health day. Just ensure that you are taking them. It is important to give your mind and body some much needed self-care and love.
Join me! Let’s win together!
Love lots!