G&STC Therapist Jette Johnson talks with Sarah Simon at VeryWell Health about the Benefits of Mental Health Days
CHECK OUT G&STC’S THERAPIST JETTE JOHNSON TALKING WITH SARAH SIMON AT VERYWELL HEALTH ABOUT THE BENEFIT OF MENTAL HEALTH DAYS.
"We have been socialized to prioritize employment, our careers, and academia, as these things allow for us to make a living and take care of ourselves and families," Jette Johnson, LMSW, a psychotherapist based in New York, told Verywell via email. Yet, she said, sanctioned breaks from work or school have "been proven to improve effectiveness, focus, motivation, and mood upon return."
Encouraging people to pause to attend to whatever's hurting can prevent the issue from snowballing, Johnson said.
"Mental health days allow for time to rejuvenate, refocus and recharge," Johnson added.
In the long run, these little breaks can interrupt the process of burnout, which, if unattended can have far-reaching negative effects. "Burnout can impact empathy, the ability to concentrate, agitation, and be detrimental to our overall mental health if unaddressed," Johnson added. "Without time to intentionally take a break and focus on personal wellness, we can become burnt out."
Try fully disconnecting from your workspace or school where possible. "Not even looking at emails, phones, or anything associated with what you are trying to take a break from," Johnson said.
Next, participate in activities that make you feel good or fulfilled.
"Think intentionally about what your sources of joy or fulfillment are, and do those," Johnson said. Whether that be playing a game, exercising, making music, baking, being with friends, or dancing alone in your room. Do what gives you a jolt of positivity or clears your mind.
Regardless of whether these tips resonate, Johnston added, always make sure to prioritize your basic needs—eating, sleeping, remaining hydrated, and having a safe space to spend your time.
"Your mental health day can look however you determine it necessary," she said. "It does not have to be a long list of to-do or notable accomplishments. The goal is to nourish your full being and give yourself what you think you need."
G&STC DIRECTOR JESSE KAHN ON THIS TOPIC:
Mental health is just as important as our physical health - actually they are connected–so when our mental health suffers, so does our physical health. But we often don't tend to our mental health the way we tend to our physical health. Mental health days can give you a chance to slow down and notice what care you need at the moment, and allow yourself to access care without having to worry about other responsibilities.
We use our brains all day long in work and school, it only makes sense to offer supports that would allow us to prioritize our health and ability to mentally engage.
A slow maintenance day is a good place to start: let yourself sleep a little late to make sure you get the rest you need, put your energy into nourishing yourself with foods that make you feel good physically + emotionally, and stay hydrated. Get outside if you're able to, even just for a short walk around your neighborhood. If you're feeling bogged down or overwhelmed by stress or anxiety it can be helpful to let it out in a journal or in a session with your therapist, or to connect with a friend. Another great mental health day activity is thinking about self pleasure, including erotic and non-erotic self pleasure.
Mental health days can be preventative care in a way. If we're doing our best to be proactive about caring for our mental health, then naturally our physical health will have more ability to stay well. It also would help reduce the stigma around receiving mental health care, which is very needed! That stigma prevents a lot of people from seeking the care they need and increases shame, so if we make accessing that care more common, it could be easier and less frightening/taboo for individuals to reach out for support and care.