With many people starting to go back to work after working from home for over a year, returning to the office can be extremely overwhelming. While we have sick days, unless we’re actually physically sick, we rarely use these days. But sometimes it’s important to take a mental health day. So, how do you know when it’s time to take a mental health day? Here are four signs that mean it’s time for one.
You’re Exhausted But Not Sleeping
Stress and anxiety can either make it harder to fall asleep. When you don’t sleep well, your health suffers. The average person needs between seven to nine hours of sleep. You may just need a day to sleep in or time to take a really long nap to recharge your head and body.
You’re More Anxious Than Usual
Anxiety can lead to mental symptoms like panic attacks and racing thoughts as well as physical ones like abdominal discomfort or shortness of breath. If you’re feeling anxious, take a mental health day to do relaxing activities like massages, yoga, mediation, or deep breathing.
You’re Having Trouble Focusing
Do you feel constantly distracted or scattered? Are you misplacing things or making careless mistakes? Then it’s time to take a mental health day to regroup and recharge.
You Keep Getting Sick
Recurring colds and other physical ailments are a sign that your body needs to slow down. There’s a huge connection between mental and physical health and taking time to get some sleep or to slow down will help boost your immune system.
