ESPIt may be too easy to ignore the signs that your mental health is suffering and push through, especially if you have a lot on your plate. But admitting you need to take a mental health break, according to experts, is a valuable form of self-care and can do you a world of good.
Here are some of the specific signs to watch out for.
1. Feeling tired: It’s completely normal to feel tired occasionally, but constant exhaustion can be debilitating.
2. Feeling overwhelmed: Constantly feeling like you can’t cope with what’s on your plate signals you need to step back, take a breather, and reassess your situation.
3. Lack of motivation: Feeling apathetic about what usually makes you feel inspired and happy, like your hobbies or work projects, suggests you need to take a mental health break.
4. Unhealthy habits: Unhealthy habits––such as eating lots of processed foods, not making time for exercise, or staying up late––indicate that things are out of balance in your life.
5. Irritability: Having a short fuse with friends, family members, or colleagues may be a sign that it’s time to slow down and take a break.
There’s no right or wrong way to take a mental health break, and you don’t need to have big plans for it. All that matters is that you and your mind feel well-rested. Here are some simple ways to take a mental health break:
• Taking time off work: if your feelings of overwhelm, stress, or fatigue are strongly related to work, or work is getting in the way of your mental well-being, you might find that taking time off helps. Even just taking one day off can make a difference—but you might need longer depending on your circumstances and well-being.
• Engaging in relaxing activities: relaxing activities like yoga, mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, slow walks, painting, and spending time observing nature can be helpful for resting your mind and body.
• Switching off your phone: excessive use of mobile phones is well known to have negative impacts on mental health, increasing stress, anxiety, and depression. If you find yourself constantly feeling the need to look at your phone, whether to respond to messages or just scroll through your social feeds, it could be time to take a break for a few days or even longer.
• Retreating to nature: the strength of nature’s healing powers is backed by science. For example, a study of 20,000 people found that those who spent two hours or more per week in nature reported better health and well-being. Retreating from your usual environment and entering the peace and stillness of nature can be very nourishing and provide a chance to rest and recharge.
Know more from our source: https://unyoked.co/wellness/signs-you-should-take-a-mental-health-break
