Everyone can become stressed out to the point where a day off might be necessary. These days off actually have a name, they are called mental health days.

The topic of taking a mental health day is very recent news and has been for a very long time. Most students take them after a rough week of testing or just having an overall stressful few days. There are many benefits to taking them as well as some setbacks, it really depends on how you spend your day.

When asked many students said they have taken a mental health day. During their mental health day they were able to accomplish de-stressing and figuring ways not to overload themselves with stress again.

“I watched a movie, baked, colored, painted and did some crafts,” said freshman Emmy Demmel.

“I sometimes write in a journal just to take a day to myself that brings me back to myself and staying true to myself,” said junior Emma Zancan.

“I made sure myself ate food, so I had energy. I caught myself up on any missing work or did in depth studying to catch myself up. I would take a nap and get myself out of the house for a minute to relax,” said senior Jayla Starks.

There are many benefits to having these breaks but there can also be setbacks from them as well. Some of these would be procrastination which would be caused from over-relaxing and putting off work. There are also the issues of missing work that will need to be done or notes to be caught up on.

People also use this as an excuse just to get out of work and school. Using it as an excuse can lead to the setbacks above, leading to more stress. So, the best advice for a mental health day is to take a day or just a few hours and not any more then you really need. Taking a day off for your mental health or even just a few hours can benefit you, almost as much as taking off when you're sick.

Links:

https://rangeviewnews.org/20771/news/are-mental-health-days-a-good-idea/