Vacation All I Ever Wanted: Taking a Mental Health Day
This VLOG talks about taking a mental health day without the guilt. AROSE eTherapy supports you in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
give yourself permission to take a mental health day
If you’re like me you can’t read the title of The Go-Go’s classic, Vacation, without hearing the chorus in your mind and wanting to sing along. This classic all-female band got to the heart of what we all crave at times—Vacation—because we have to get away. Although this song is about a summer love that faded away, the upbeat chorus gets us excited and pepped up for a break. Sadly, realities like once every 100 year pandemics, work obligations, family care, or limited budgets may keep us from taking as many vacations as we might like. Don’t despair. There is an alternative. You’ve heard of it. You’ve probably thought about doing it. You can do it. You CAN take a Mental Health Day.
WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH DAY?
A Mental Health Day is when you take a day all to yourself to rest and recharge. You might cancel everything on your schedule for the day. You might plan it ahead of time. It might be more of a last-minute choice. You’re familiar with it but probably know it from childhood as “playing hooky.” Yes, adults may need to “play hooky” from time to time. Sometimes we all just need to take a break or a mini-vacation for a day. In the adult world, we know it as taking a personal day. And as a co-worker from long ago quipped, if someone asks you why you’re taking the day, you can just say, “It’s personal.”
Take a mental health day.
Take a beach day and soak up the sun if you’re on the east coast, like in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Florida and are nearby a beautiful ocean.
WHEN DO YOU TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH DAY?
You may need to have some degree of self-awareness to recognize the signs of overwhelm or possibly burn out. If stress has gradually increased over time, it can be hard to notice the overwhelm. Look out for symptoms in the following categories:
physiological (e.g., tension, upset stomach, headaches, sleep disturbances)
cognitive (e.g., inability to think clearly, jumbled thoughts, poor organization, absent mindedness, constant worry)
emotional (e.g., feeling anxious, stressed, short-fused, unhappy, discouraged, unmotivated)
If these symptoms are present and your workday becomes only minimally productive as a result, it's probably time for a break.
WHAT DO YOU DO DURING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DAY?
Your Mental Health day should focus on addressing all three areas listed above. Some examples of how you can address those three areas are listed below:
Reduce physiological arousal via
massage
taking a spa day
going on a nature hike
taking a beach day at your local river, lake, gulf, or ocean
napping
Clear your mind by
getting into a good book
journaling
meditating
listening to music
Boost mood by
engaging in a favorite hobby
planning a lunch date with a friend
having a phone call or a video chat with an old friend or loved one
making a gratitude list
getting some sunshine
listening to an inspirational podcast
To give a specific example, taking a day to engage in a physical activity in nature could address all 3 components--a walk on the beach or hike in the woods gets your body moving to release feel good chemicals boosting mood, can give perspective when you find yourself appreciating nature helping you remember there is life beyond your job or stressors, and can help you quiet your mind by breathing in some fresh air and being present in the physical activity and scenery. The whole experience can be very refreshing. Maybe take a break mid-way through the activity for a picnic lunch or to meditate, journal, or engage all the senses in a grounding exercise. This can give the shift in perspective that is needed to return to work with a fresh attitude and viewpoint.
Imagine clearing your head on a hike.
The fresh Colorado mountain air can be all you need to clear your mind; maybe add in some journaling and process whatever is on your mind.
FEELING GUILTY FOR TAKING A BREAK?
Sometimes when we're overwhelmed, we think the answer is pushing harder when the solution is paradoxical--we meet our goals faster and more productively by slowing down and taking a break. So, take your Mental Health Day and do not feel guilty for it! If you do feel guilty about taking a day off, exam where that message is coming from. Likely it comes from messages you have received from others either in your youth or maybe from a demanding boss. Instead, tune into what your needs are and honor them. You will likely come back the day after recharged and refreshed. You’ll be glad you got your mini-Vacation—it may be all you ever wanted!
BENEFITS OF ONLINE COUNSELING
Online counseling saves you time and energy as you access mental health care from your home or office without having to take time out to commute to and from the appointment. Relax in the comfort of your own space as you devote one hour to self-care. Secure platforms are used to protect your privacy. Research shows online therapy and in-person sessions are equally effective. So why not choose the more convenient option? Save time, gas, and minimize stress so that a one-hour appointment takes only one hour and not 3 with traffic.
BEGIN COUNSELING WITH AN ONLINE THERAPIST IN COLORADO, FLORIDA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA
If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, stop wishing and take an action towards change today! AROSE eTherapy offers a Free 15-minute consult. If you would like to proceed to services after your consult, we’ll book you our next available initial appointment, and you’ll be on your way to healing!
AROSE eTherapy offers over 15 years’ experience in offering mental health services.
ABOUT the author
Alicia Rozycki, PhD
Dr. Rozycki is a licensed psychologist and the founder of AROSE eTherapy, an online therapy practice serving high achieving professional women and military affiliates including active duty, veterans, spouses, and government employees. Virtual sessions are available in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Learn more about Dr. Rozycki.
Caffey, C., Valentine, K., & Weidlin, J. Vacation. [Recorded by The Go-Go’s.] On Vacation. Hollywood: United States: Studio 55 and Sunset Sound Recorders.
