The 6 Best Ways to Spend a Mental Health Day

Employers, universities and other organisations continue to tackle the stigma around mental health. Part of this, is Mental Health Day’s becoming more readily available to people in the workplace and at university. After all, work and study can weigh down on all of us and a break can do a whole world of good.

But, how is the best way to use this time? How can you spend the time to really benefit your mental health?

We have pulled together some of our top tips around Mental Health Day’s, to help you get back to your best-self.

A Good Sleep

The most important factor of a Mental Health Day, which is often overlooked is a good night’s sleep.

Heading to bed nice and early and not having any commitments in the morning can really boost your chances at getting that long sleep your body is yearning for.

Take the time to have a lay-in will give your body the time to reset after all those months of hard work and socialising. And, enjoy it!

Set Tasks

Setting yourself some small, achievable goals will make sure you feel productive, whilst not overwhelming you.

Making your bed, catching up on some washing or cleaning your room can help clear your mind and help in not feeling too overwhelmed.

Clear Your Plate

Is there a task that has been hanging over your head for weeks? Or are you stuck on a decision?

These can play on your mind when you are back at university, so taking the time to approach them with your time off can give you a real sense of achievement and relief.

We have found that some of the ways to tackle these problems include journaling, listing out your stressors or talking to a friend.

Enjoy the Outdoors

A lot of people find that spending time walking or hiking outdoors can be rejuvenating. Whether it’s just a walk to the shops or a walk around your university campus just getting out the house is a big step.

Go off Grid

We all know that social media is not the best for our mental health. Taking the opportunity of a Mental Health Day to leave your phone at home, or just putting it on ‘Do Not Disturb’ will slow down the flow of constant notifications.

Having some uninterrupted time to yourself will have a great impact on your mental health, and give you that extra time to reflect and complete those tasks.

Just Relax

Most importantly, this mental health day is for you. Meaning, you do not need to follow this guide at all. Do want you feel you need, and take the time to relax.

If that means watching TV all day, or sleeping all day, do it. If that means going out socialising with friends, do that too. Whatever works for you. Practicing self-care looks different for all of us, use the time to spend the day doing things that make you happy, and remind yourself that you deserve a break. Afterall, we all do.