Taking a Mental Health Break
Constant bad news can make individuals feel helpless. Signs you need to take a break for your mental health include brain fog; decreasing productivity, especially a lack of energy or motivation; feeling overly emotional or indifferent and withdrawn; frequent illnesses; irritability; and sleeping poorly. Some ways to step away and engage in an activity that reduces stress and is revitalizing include:
- Lighting a candle
- Buying flowers
- Having fondue or a tea party
- Turning off all electronics
- Riding your bike and spending time outdoors
- Viewing art
- Forgiving someone. (Rather than “forgive and forget,” try forgiving and evolving. Remember that forgiveness does not have a finish line.)
- Eating at or ordering from your favorite restaurant
- Taking an actual or a virtual field trip to an aquarium, a museum or a zoo
- Planting indoor bulbs
- Trying Nerf target practice
- Making cinnamon rolls, fudge or soup
- Starting a paint by number kit or creating a collage with pictures from magazines
- Visiting famous cities and/or landmarks around the world through books or websites
- Going thrifting
- Volunteering
- Having your own read-a-thon
- Getting a massage
- Learning a new skill
- Taking a nap
- Spending time at a local animal shelter
- Window watching with water (Take a glass of water to the nearest window and slowly sip it as you look outside.)
After your break, take a moment to reflect on what you did and how it made you feel. This will allow you to make changes in the future if necessary.
Mental health breaks are crucial for a balanced life and even an hour can improve your well-being, from a clearer mind and greater emotional resilience to better personal relationships and enhanced creativity and productivity. Instead of thinking “I do not have time to take a break,” realize you are being healthy by doing so. Pause, rest and reset.