Mental Health Days: Why I Take Them and What I Actually Do

 Let’s talk about something we all need, but rarely give ourselves permission to do: taking a mental health day.

No, I’m not talking about lying to your boss or skipping class for no reason. I’m talking about pausing life — just for a bit — to take care of your mind, your mood, and your peace.

I used to feel guilty for needing a break. Like I had to “earn” rest by being exhausted or burnt out. But honestly, the best time to take a mental health day is before you hit that wall.

So here’s what I usually do when I take one:


 1. Sleep in — Guilt-Free

I turn off my alarm and give my body permission to rest. Not scrolling on my phone. Just real, uninterrupted rest. Some of the best healing starts with sleep.

 2. Avoid Social Media (At Least for a While)

Nothing ruins my peace faster than comparing my life to other people’s highlight reels. So I stay off Instagram, TikTok, everything. Even just for a few hours — it helps me feel more present.

 3. Do a “Zero-Pressure” Morning

No meetings, no emails, no rushing. Just:

  • Slow breakfast

  • Maybe journaling a bit

  • Listening to music or a podcast I love

  • Drinking tea like I’m in a movie

 4. Get Outside (Even for 10 Minutes)

Fresh air hits different when your brain feels foggy. I’ll walk around my block or sit in the sun with headphones on. No goal — just moving and breathing.

 5. Do Something That Feeds My Soul

Some days that’s reading a book. Other days it’s watching my favorite comedy or painting badly. The point is: it’s for me, not productivity.

 6. Check in With Myself (Not Judge Myself)

I’ll ask:

  • “How am I really feeling lately?”

  • “What do I need more of?”

  • “What can I let go of?”

It’s not therapy — just honesty.

Final Thoughts 

Mental health days aren’t lazy — they’re necessary maintenance. Like recharging your phone. You don’t wait till it’s dead to plug it in, right?

So next time you feel off, give yourself the space to breathe, reset, and just be.

You don’t have to earn rest. You deserve it already.

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