There is no one way to take care of yourself. There are so many ways you can do it, and they all have their benefits. Here are ten tips to get you started on your mental health day:
1. Make sure to get plenty of rest
The whole point of a mental health day is to take some time for yourself, so be sure to get plenty of rest. This will help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on whatever challenges the day brings.
Besides, when you’re well-rested, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed. So make sure to hit the sack early and get those z’s!
2. Eat healthy foods
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it’s easy to reach for unhealthy comfort foods. But doing this can make your problems worse. Since you have enough time to focus on yourself today, make sure to eat healthy foods. This will help you feel better both mentally and physically.
But if you don’t have the energy to prepare a healthy meal, you could always order in or eat out at a healthy restaurant. Just be sure to avoid anything high in sugar or unhealthy fats since they’ll only make you feel worse in the long run.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol are two substances that many people turn to when feeling stressed. But they aren’t the best choices. Instead of helping calm you down, they can actually make your anxiety or stress worse.
So if you’re trying to relax today, avoid caffeine and alcohol. You’ll likely feel better without them. But if coffee is something you can’t live without, consider opting for a decaffeinated version. And if you enjoy a glass of wine or beer now and then, try sticking to just one.
4. Relax in a warm bath
One great way to relax on your mental health day is to soak in a warm bath. The steam and the warmth will help to soothe your mind and body. And if you add some soothing aromatherapy oils to the bathwater, that will only add to the relaxation. Afterward, pamper yourself with full-body skincare products to seal in the relaxation. You’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a bath this way.
5. Spend time with friends and family
Take some time to connect with loved ones on your mental health day. Spending time with family and friends can help you feel loved and supported. And it can also help take your mind off of your problems for a while. So plan to spend some time with the people you care about. You’ll be glad you did.
6. Exercise outdoors
If you’re feeling cooped up and stressed, getting some exercise may be just what the doctor ordered. And there’s no need to go to the gym. Instead, take your workout outdoors. Exercise in the fresh air and sun for a bonus mental health boost. You don’t even need to go for a long run or spend hours at the gym. A brisk walk or light jog will do the trick.
7. Practice mindfulness or meditation
Mindfulness and meditation can be great ways to relax and de-stress on your mental health day. They both involve focusing on the present moment and clearing your mind of distractions. This can help you to feel more calm and centered.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness or meditation. You could try guided meditation audio or apps. Or, if you’re more hands-on, you could try yoga or tai chi.
8. Write in your journal
Another great way to relax and de-stress on your mental health day is writing in your journal. This is a time to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Writing can be a great way to process your thoughts and emotions, and it can also be cathartic.
If you don’t already have a journal, you can easily find one at your local bookstore or online. Just make sure to choose one that’s comfortable for you to write in.
9. Take a nature walk
If you’re looking for a low-key way to relax on your mental health day, take a nature walk. Spending time in nature can be incredibly soothing and calming. And it’s also a great way to get some exercise. So take a walk in your local park or go for a hike in the mountains. You’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated after spending some time in nature.
10. Take a break from electronics
Finally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a break from electronics. Social media, television, and other electronic devices can be distractions and increase stress levels. So if you’re looking to relax, take a break from electronics for a while.
You may find that you feel more relaxed and centered after some time away from electronics. And you may even find that you enjoy your break!
So there you have it; ten tips on taking care of yourself on your mental health day. Give some or all of them a try to see how you feel. You may be surprised at how much better you feel after taking some time for yourself.
