10 Ideas on What to Do on Your Mental Health Day Off

Are you taking a mental health day off from work? Good for you! You deserve it. So what should you do with all this time? Anything you want. What do you think will help you relieve some stress?

If you need the day to focus on yourself or other projects, here's a list of ideas to help you make the most of your day.

1. Take a walk outdoors: Studies show that being outdoors does wonders for your mental health. Connecting with nature is free. If it's too hot where you live, try an early morning walk. If walking alone is unsafe, step outside your home, sit and soak in the sun. Remember your sunscreen!

2. Read a book: If reading is not your thing, there’s this saying that you haven’t found the right book if you don't like reading.  Maybe it’s time to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read or start a new hobby of reading.

3. Watch your favorite show or catch a new one you’ve wanted to watch: my suggestion is The Office (American version).

4. Self-care: Put on a face mask or lip mask, soak your feet in a foot bath, give yourself a manicure and pedicure, or, if you have some money to spend, go to the spa and get that facial, massage, or mani/pedi.

5. Exercise: They say exercise is good for the mind and body.  Walking, in particular, has many benefits.  If you have a treadmill, put on your favorite show and get steppin’.

6. Cook or Bake: Have you saved a bunch of recipes on social media?  It's time to make at least one of them.  Find an easy one you can tackle.  If you don’t have all the ingredients, take a slow trip to the grocery store and pick up your ingredients.

7. Draw or Color:  Any creatives here?  Do you have a coloring book or a drawing app?  I have found coloring on my iPad soothing.  If you have some great quality markers, coloring in a physical coloring book can also help relieve stress.  I have a Dunder Mifflin coloring book that I color repeatedly.  I put it together, and you can get a copy, too.  Check it out here.

8. Take a nap: Sometimes, a nap is all we need.  When toddlers get fussy, they take a nap, and they wake up in a better mood.

9. Treat Yourself to a delicious snack or treat: Food is fuel for the body, but it can also be food for the mind and soul. What have you been craving?

10. Buy something nice for yourself: It can be something minor, online or in-store.  What little trinket or thing have you been wanting?  Retail therapy helps some people.  However, if the source of your stress is financial, be mindful of what and how you are spending.  

There are many things you can do with your time off.  Ultimately, you do what you feel is best for you.  I hope this time you take off is helpful and you feel refreshed for a new day.