Mental Health Days are Sacred
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. ”
I’ve read several journals emphasizing the mental health concerns taking place during the pandemic. An article, “8 Signs You Desperately Need a Mental Health Day,” affirms, “Anxiety symptoms were three times as high as they were in 2019, and symptoms of depression were four times as high pre-pandemic.” Long-term stress often causes burnout or worse. The article recommends an occasional mental health day.
A mental health day provides a necessary break to shut down the mind long enough to re-energize. The longer you avoid taking a break, the more difficult it will be to recover. The article describes a mental health day as follows: “Your mental health day should include specific activities, including self-care, to achieve these goals. These can be reading/journaling, sleeping in or sleeping late, nature walks, and a hobby you enjoy.”
Taking a mental health day is not selfish or a burden on your employer. The article points out, “A study by the World Health Organization estimated that for every $1 spent on support for mental health, which includes mental health days, there is a $4 return in work productivity.” If you are an employer, it is good business to provide the occasional mental health day to your employees. It isn’t simply a kind gesture, but also improves productivity. Intentional self-care is especially true coming out of the pandemic.
Today, take the time to listen to your inner voice. Also, make a point of slowing down when fatigue sets in. It isn’t weakness, but a sign of strength, knowing how to remain strong of body, mind, and spirit. Ask God to bless you with the wisdom to know yourself and respond with the necessary self-care. Allow God to assist you in being strong and healthy for the long term.
