Lately, I’ve been feeling quite overwhelmed. My partner, my kids, and even my own body have all noticed my irritability. After apologizing for snapping at my kids (again) in front of my partner, he gently suggested that I take a day just for myself. It took me a little while, but I finally made it happen. I envisioned that this mental health day would rejuvenate me and bring back the spark I felt I had lost.
However, things didn’t quite go as planned. I bet you can guess where this is headed because, as fellow moms, we often have similar experiences. I woke up much earlier than usual, eager to tackle all the tasks I had lined up for my mental health day. After squeezing in a quick run and a rushed shower, I dropped off my tax documents. I felt a wave of relief, but that was quickly followed by a trip to the grocery store to stock up for my family.
On my way back to the car, I noticed how dirty it was, so I took it through the car wash and even cleaned out the mess inside, which included sandbox sand and fast-food wrappers. Once home, I hurried to put away the groceries before my ice cream melted, only to realize I had forgotten to get the sushi I planned for lunch. By then, it was past noon, and this did not feel like a mental health day at all.
I vacuumed the house and told myself that from that point forward, I would just relax and watch the Hallmark Channel. However, just as I settled on the couch, I received a text from my son’s teacher, a call about my son’s graduation from my ex-husband, and I remembered my daughter had an orthodontist appointment. Clearly, this was not the mental health day I envisioned. I ended up feeling even more drained than before, realizing that I hadn’t truly considered what I needed to recharge.
Consulting with a Professional
To help me out, I consulted with Lisa, a therapist and life coach, who provided some insightful strategies on how to truly make the most of a mental health day. First and foremost, it’s essential to ask yourself what you genuinely need. It could be as simple as a day spent reading or perhaps a dedicated time for spring cleaning, if that would bring you joy. “If lounging in bed all day feels indulgent, embrace it! Self-care is personal, and you get to define what it means for you,” Lisa emphasizes.
Taking time for yourself is incredibly valuable, especially during hectic times, so it’s crucial to engage in activities that truly resonate with you rather than what you feel you “should” be doing. “If you force yourself to be productive instead of allowing for relaxation, you might just end up feeling resentful and even more fatigued,” Lisa warns.
Planning Your Day
Plan ahead if possible. Spend a few days reflecting on what you might need and create a plan. If you haven’t assessed your own needs in a while, it may take some time to figure out what will help you. Once you have some ideas, put them into action, but don’t over-schedule yourself; otherwise, you’ll end up running around in circles, completely undermining the purpose of the day.
If carving out a whole day isn’t feasible, consider incorporating smaller self-care practices into your routine. Lisa suggests checking your calendar for opportunities to prioritize your well-being throughout the week. For instance, if exercising alleviates stress, schedule time for workouts, or if you need more rest, plan short naps. Personally, since my “mental health day” didn’t go as planned, I’ve started to incorporate little moments of self-care into my daily life—like painting my toenails or watching my favorite shows after work. These small acts have made a significant difference.
Remember Your Worth
Always remember: you are worth the time and effort needed to prioritize your mental health. Plan that effective mental health day, or integrate self-care into your everyday life.
For more tips on enhancing your mental well-being, check out this post on Home Insemination. If you’re looking for expert advice on fertility and home insemination, this resource is great for understanding your options. Additionally, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent source for pregnancy and fertility insights.
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Summary:
Taking a mental health day can be more beneficial with proper planning and understanding of your needs. Instead of over-scheduling or doing tasks that drain you, focus on what truly recharges you. Whether it’s relaxing at home, dedicating time to a hobby, or even short self-care practices throughout your week, make sure to prioritize yourself.