My local supermarket had recently gone through a remodel, which included moving certain sections of the store to different locations. While this shouldn’t have been a big deal, on this particular day, it was my catalyst to a meltdown. I was certain the supermarket moved the oatmeal to a secret hidden location just to upset me. It was all too much to handle.
It was only after crying in my car for 30 minutes that I realized — it wasn’t about the oatmeal. These tears were the tears of stress that had been piling on for months. I wasn’t satisfied with my full-time job. My cat was sick. The car was making that weird noise again. The laundry was piling up.
It was about the stress and anxiety I was pushing under the rug in hopes that it would go away. But, as we all know, chronic stress and anxiety rarely just “go away” on their own.
That weekend, I took a much-needed “mental health holiday.” Taking a mental health holiday can help reduce stress, avoid future burnout, give you a renewed sense of purpose, and help you refocus on what’s important. Here are some helpful tips on planning a mental health holiday:
- Schedule – We can’t always predict when stress and anxiety are going to get the best of us. When you realize that a mental health holiday is in order, communicate your needs with others. Ask your friends and family if they can help you with certain tasks, and talk to your boss about taking a mental health day if possible. If you can’t carve out a day or weekend, try to find a few hours that you can relax and focus on yourself.
- Unplug – While cell phones, laptops, and other technology can be beneficial, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety. If you can, turn off these devices during your mental health holiday. If you need to be reachable during a specific time, try deleting certain applications from your phone that you may need a break from.
- Action – Now that you have your time scheduled and you’re unplugged, it’s time to decide what you’re going to do during your mental health holiday. First, reflect on what you most need. Maybe a day of catching up on sleep and relaxing with a good book in your favorite armchair is in order. If you need a day away from your norm, perhaps a small trip to a nearby park or fun destination would help. Make sure you tailor your mental health holiday for YOU and YOUR current needs.
Taking a much-needed mental health holiday could be exactly what you need to beat the stress and refocus on what’s most important. If you find that you’re struggling with stress after your holiday, or that you’re getting stressed more than normal, make sure you seek out the guidance of your medical team.
Ashley Fizer
Retreat Director
By Mary Snyder December 8, 2022
Very good article–wise information,,,Like you say, if we can’t get a full day or a week-end, even a few hours will help. We just need to learn to put our phones away-we can call anyone back when we have time, If it’s an emergency, they better call 911
PS- When was your first virtual retreat? I was there, but i can’t find my print outs just now.
By Hilda Dyck July 5, 2022
I found these points to be really helpful. It takes time to process what has just happened and then to be able to take some action.
By Shirley Renaud June 8, 2022
Awesome article Ashley and perfect timing. As for myself, it’s not about the cataracts. Everything seemed to be piling up and then the eyes starting giving me issues. Of course I stressed out. The verdict being that I just need stronger lens for now.
Thank you Ashley for sharing. It was very timely.
By Teena Conrad June 8, 2022
Oh Ashley this is spot on and fits me to a T. my recent diagnosis of Cellulitis I believe God is allowing so I will revisit where my autoimmune issues are complicated by STRESS: this was written to me. You are an awesome friend and I still have the Rock you gave us at the first Retreat you directed in Prescott …..
By Ruth Singers June 7, 2022
What a great article!! I try to plan my day so that I can accomplish certain tasks around my condo When I get interrupted I realize that I begin to get angry
I am learning to let things go and what is unfinished I will do another day
By Shirley Wilson June 7, 2022
Great information.
By Anna Robertson June 7, 2022
This was just what I needed to read. I am sharing this at my TOPS meeting for a program. I found that I was trying to deal with my stress by not talking about it and it just kept building until I would explode and then I worried about what was happening to me mentally. I was angry all of the time. We finally were able to get away for a short vacation and I soon realized I was sleeping better, more relaxed, less angry and little issues didn’t irritate me so.
I need to learn to say NO and delegate duties more often.
By Deanna Herrington June 7, 2022
I get the things piling up since I’ve been a caregiver for years. It’s hard to get a break from doctor appointments, managing medications, meals all the other things you mentioned.
I manage to get my Tops meeting in and dinner with a friend on Monday. You’re blog is real. Thanks.
By Val Webb June 6, 2022
Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you so very much.
Advice I will certainly take.
By Gina June 6, 2022
Thanks Ashley. Good advice.
By Eleanor Thompson June 6, 2022
This is a great article and good advice.