The world today is more fast-paced than ever, so it can be easy to push ourselves to the limit and neglect our well-being in favor of completing responsibilities and remaining productive. Nonetheless, there comes a point when our minds and bodies start to send us clear signals that we need a break. But contrary to what some may believe, taking a mental health day is not a sign of weakness.
It's understandable why people might feel guilty about taking personal time off from work to focus on self-care or simply relax and relieve stress. Even so, this growing practice is vital for preserving balance and preventing burnout in both our personal and professional lives. So, in case you need a reminder, it's okay to put yourself first and take a mental health day — these are 10 signs that you may need to ask for one.
Scroll to find the 10 clear signs you need to take a mental health day!
1. You're Anxious About Going To The Office
Tima Miroshnichenko
If you find yourself waking up in the morning with a pit in your stomach and wishing you could avoid the day ahead, it's a sign that your mind is overwhelmed. Feeling anxious or dreading going to work can be normal from time to time, but if it's a consistent pattern, these emotions may be a result of burnout or mounting stress. It's essential to listen to your body, as pushing through and going to work anyway could lead to further exhaustion and even more anxiety.
2. You Feel Burnt Out
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Burnout has the ability to creep up on us gradually. When stress is unmanaged, or breaks are neglected, these feelings can build up over time and cause us to feel deeply exhausted. People suffering from burnout can experience a multitude of symptoms, from lower energy levels and mental fogginess to physical and emotional depletion.
3. You're Having Trouble Focusing
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When we're stressed, our minds can become clouded, and concentrating at work becomes an impossible task. Even the simplest responsibilities may take more mental effort than ever before, and in the wake of this overwhelming feeling, the likelihood that we'll make mistakes increases.
Not to mention, the effects of stress extend beyond just focus and can also interfere with memory and the ability to retain new information. You may suddenly realize you're struggling to learn new skills or recall important details.
4. You're Constantly Getting Sick
Liza Summer
Chronic stress can seriously affect your physical health as well, and if you're frequently getting sick, you may need to take a day off. Research has shown that stress triggers an increase in suppressor T cells and catecholamine levels, both of which suppress the immune system. So, you're left more vulnerable to illnesses.
A mental health break from work can help you lower stress and, in turn, boost your immune system's ability to fight off things like colds or viruses.
5. You're Getting Agitated Easily
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After exhaustion and stress take over, it can be tough to keep our emotions in check. So, even tiny annoyances might trigger agitation or anger.
If you've begun snapping at coworkers or losing your temper over things that wouldn't normally bother you, it's a sign that your mental health is suffering. Taking a personal day will be good for both your well-being and the maintenance of your professional relationships.
6. It's Difficult To Sleep
Andrea Piacquadio
Whether you're frustrated, anxious, or stressed, all of these emotions can make it tough to sleep at night. And if you're tossing and turning, not getting enough rest to sustain you throughout the workday, stress levels will continue to rise.
This pattern can spiral into a vicious cycle: the more sleep you lose, the harder it becomes to think clearly, leading to more stress and even more lost shut-eye. Sometimes, taking a mental health day to catch up on some much-needed sleep can break the cycle.
7. Your Eating Habits Have Changed
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Much like sleep, stress can also have a significant impact on our eating habits as well. Some people may lose their appetite and skip meals due to anxiety, while others turn to food for comfort.
Both of these coping mechanisms are unhealthy and signal that your mental health is struggling. If you realize that you've been binging or avoiding food in response to work-related pressure, it's time to take a break.
8. Your Work Performance Has Dipped
Mikhail Nilov
Next, a decline in your work quality, from missed deadlines to challenges staying organized, may suggest your stress levels have reached a point where they're affecting your job performance.
If we're overwhelmed and our mental capacity becomes overloaded, it's tougher to prioritize tasks effectively and operate with a clear head.
9. You Feel Disconnected From Those Around You
Ketut Subiyanto
Another telltale indicator is feeling disconnected from coworkers, friends, and family. You might feel misunderstood or as if you're on a different page than everyone else. Plus, as stress continues mounting, you may feel isolated and alone, even when surrounded by people. Taking a break from your routine and reconnecting with loved ones in your personal life can help you reset and ground your mental health.
10. You're Bringing Your Work Home
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Last but not least, does it seem like work is constantly following you home? Perhaps you're always thinking about tasks, worrying about emails, or mentally replaying conversations from the office in your head.
Being unable to disconnect from work after hours is dangerous, as it impedes your work-life balance and doesn't give you a chance to properly rest and recharge. Additionally, blurring the line between work and home life can strain your personal relationships since you're less present with loved ones. A mental health day will allow you to step away, clear your mind, and restore a necessary boundary.
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