It is common for people to take sick leave from work when they are not feeling well physically, but it is also very important to pause work if you feel like your mind can’t handle it anymore.
Too much workload can cause stress and that can result in unproductivity and poor performance. The medical information and mental health publication, Healthline states that if your workplace makes you feel these following emotions then you need to take a break. If you feel:
- anxious or restless
- more irritable or angrier than usual
- sad or tearful
- preoccupied with specific worries or a vague sense of fear
- unmotivated or unable to concentrate
Here is how to make sure you actually nurse your mental health when you’ve taken mental health leave from work.
Fight the urge to work: This applies to taking up housework and checking in with the office or your job too frequently. Happiful, an online magazine for mental health and wellbeing states that you should prioritise taking care of yourself and getting healthy on this day rather than looking for work that will require you to work hard or cause a strain on your mind. The publication suggests that this could be a good time to consider how you might assign your chores to others if certain things just cannot wait. “This could be at work, by reaching out to others to cover tasks while you are off, or at home by speaking to those in your support network and asking for help with things that you are finding overwhelming.”
Do feel-good activities: You might feel like you need to sleep in on this day or just cosy up in your favourite pyjamas and read your favourite book, which is also acceptable as long as it makes you feel good. However, the above publication also suggests that you engage in enjoyable activities such as walking in the park, watching films, having conversations with loved ones, journaling, swimming, gardening or working on your hobbies. Happifull further states “This time is about doing what you can to take care of your mental health. Exactly what that will look like will be different for all of us, and we shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of our well-being in whatever way works for us.”
Take care of your body: When going through a rough patch, it is sometimes difficult to find the energy to work on yourself, but it’s worth the while. The online magazine above states that you should be sure to take care of the little things like brushing your teeth, and taking a soothing shower, to keep your body clean and fresh. There’s a certain relief that comes with your body being clean. According to Happiful, nutrition plays a significant role in mental health, so eating wholesome, delicious food like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean meats, and nuts can improve mental health. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding high-sugar and fat-content foods can also help.
Get professional help: It is also suggested that you get professional help if your mental health is significantly affecting your daily life. They may refer you, discuss medication, or suggest private counselling or well-being professionals like life coaches. Allowing time and space for the first time can help in navigating the process.
Also see: Unusual ways to quickly reduce stress
