5 Benefits Of A Mental Health Day From Work

Medically reviewed by Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Updated December 6, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

When work becomes overwhelming, employees may opt to consider strategies to improve their mental health such as routine breaks throughout the day. According to a recent Gallup poll, nearly three out of four employees experience burnout-related themes at their jobs. Mental health days are becoming more prominent in the workplace. A mental health day is a short break intended to assist with recuperation from mental health facets like burnout. Below explores the benefits of mental health days, while also considering how you can maximize the benefits associated with them. 

Are you experiencing burnout?

What is a mental health day?

A mental health day is a day taken off of work to devote solely to responsibilities that protect your mental well-being. Mental health days allow an individual to partake in self-care activities, such as exercise, resting, or hobbies, of which allows physical and mental health needs to be addressed favorably. 

Who should take a mental health day?

Those that may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life or general life challenges can find benefit in taking a mental health day. The reasons for a mental health day don’t need to relate to what someone is taking a break from. For instance, an employee facing family conflict may choose to take a mental health day despite being satisfied with their current job.

Common reasons for taking a mental health day

There are numerous reasons individuals may choose to seek a mental health day. These reasons can include some of the following: 

  • Stress and burnout 
  • Feeling overwhelmed from one’s workload
  • Conflicts in social setting
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Life transitions such as breaking up with a significant other or moving
  • The death of a loved one or beloved pet
  • Emotional fatigue
  • Anxiety and Depression 

The connection between mental health and work 

Studies have indicated a direct connection between work performance and an employee’s mental health. Employees who have resiliency surrounding their mental health tend to display more innovative behavior and are also more engaged in workplace functions. Further, individuals with high levels of resiliency tend to miss fewer days of work. Research also suggests that the quality of a person’s work can have mental health impacts. This research encourages employers to consider how environmental themes can influence favorable outcomes for their employees. 

Do you get paid for mental health days?

Many employers allow for their employees to seek mental health days that classify the same as a sick day (commonly referred to as paid time off, PTO). Some employers may offer designated mental health days throughout the year or quarter in efforts to promote their employee’s mental health and resiliency. If an individual may need an extended period of time off from work, they may qualify to use short-term disability insurance in efforts to receive a portion of their pay. 

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a qualification that guarantees that the individual’s position will still be available once they return from unforeseen medical, family, or mental-health related themes. This act can reduce anxiety for many employees of whom may be reluctant to pursue time away from work due to fears of losing their jobs. 

5 benefits of a mental health day from work

There are numerous benefits in relation to seeking mental health days from work. Below explains 5 common benefits as result of pursing a mental health day from work:

  1. Burnout Reduction: Taking a break from work and other responsibilities allows one to protect themselves from the repercussive effects of burnout. Further, investing in mental health as result of burnout enhances long-term resiliency, while also improving problem-solving.
  2. Improved Morale: Time away from stress and burnout associated with work can increase work morale, thus leading to greater work satisfaction. This may also lead to enhanced collaboration with peers, morale boosts in your department, as well as interpersonal enhancement with your colleagues.
  3. Improved Productivity: There are negative correlates to chronic stress and productivity. Studies suggest that 92 percent of employees have experienced mental health challenges that have impacted their work. Stress reduction allows for more efficiency with task orientation, while also providing the potential to enhance focus.
  4. Improved Creativity: Mental exhaustion can impede upon one’s ability to think creatively. Enhancements in mental health can allow for more innovative thought process, as well as improvements in the ability to solve problems.
  5. Improved Physical Health: There are correlations between physical and mental health disparities. Close to one-third of millennials experience a behavioral health condition, correlating with twice the likelihood of developing physical health conditions like high blood pressure. Resolving mental health concerns allows for opportunities to also address physical health via a focus on self-care. 
A man in a jean jacket smiles and waves as he rides a bike outside.
Getty/Westend61

Tips for taking a mental health day 

Mental health days can be maximized efficiently when we consider tips to promote our welfare. Below highlights some useful tips that can allow for one to maximize a mental health day. 

Plan ahead if possible

There are times where one is unable to predict what their stress levels will look like. With this being said, there are some subtle signs and factors of work that can indicate the need to plan time away. For instance, being involved in an overwhelming project at work may result in you planning to take a mental health day once the project nears its completion. Further, stress and anxiety levels that begin to manifest may result in using paid time off towards the latter half of the week. This can result in opportunities to recharge and reacquaint to the goals at hand.

Unplug from technology

The temptations to remain connected to work or work-related projects are much higher due to stressors associated with projects and deadlines. Work/life balance is important to consider during times of high stress, as this results in opportunities to promote rest and recovery. Making the most of your day may involve reducing or avoiding social networking platforms. Social media platforms have been linked to an increased risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, as well as psychological distress.

Include social connection

Attempting to utilize boundaries surrounding time can be effective to ensure you have time to spend with close supports. While this may be challenging if you work a traditional 9-5 job, there are ways you can plan for leisure during the evening hours such as dinner with close friends. Social connection can aid in reducing symptoms of depression, while also lowering levels of anxiety. 

Move your body

There are favorable correlates between mental health improvements in tandem with regular exercise. Regular exercise has been shown to have a wide array of benefits, such as self-concept improvements, anxiety and depression reductions, as well as improvements in sleep quality. Some considerations for moving your body may include the following: 

  • go on a walk or hike
  • attend an exercise class
  • complete an online workout video
  • complete more physically demanding chores such as yardwork
  • go swimming
  • have a dance party
  • participate in full-body stretching

Spend time outside

There are numerous benefits in relation to spending time in nature, including increases in happiness and anxiety reduction. Time outdoors aids with improving favorable emotions, while also reducing aspects of mental fatigue. Naturescapes such as diverse forests and greenery enhance the mental health benefits attributed to time with nature. 

How to cope if you can’t take a mental health day

Taking a mental health day off from work isn’t always possible, but you can still find ways to lower your stress levels and support your mental health. Here are a few ideas:

  • commit to only checking your work email during working hours
  • take your lunch break outside
  • take a walk during your breaks
  • begin a new hobby that helps distract from your stress
  • find out if you can take off part of a day or utilize flex working hours to allow time for some activities that support your mental health

For some, taking mental health days from work may not always be possible. If this is the case, there are certain ways you can attempt to lower stress and support your mental health. Some ideas to assist with this include: 

  • commit to only checking your work email during working hours
  • take your lunch break outside
  • take a walk during your breaks
  • begin a new hobby that helps distract from your stress
  • Take off part of a day or utilize flex working hours to allow time for some activities that support your mental health
A woman sits at a table in a restaurant and smiles as a person wearing a mask brings her a bowl of salad.
Getty/staticnak1983
Are you experiencing burnout?

Where to find mental health support

Taking a mental health day can help reduce burnout or temporarily lift your spirits, but may do little to address long-standing mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression. If you’ve noticed that your mental health is consistently poor or you are showing symptoms of a mental illness, seeking out therapeutic support can be useful. Therapy provides a supportive outlet to problem-solve ways to enhance your mental health, while also developing coping skills to mitigate mental health effects from work. 

Some companies offer an employee assistance program (EAP), which includes resources to support all employees navigating personal problems that might impact their work performance, such as alcohol use, financial strain, as well as mental health concerns. EAPs are typically offered at no cost to employees. To find out if your employer offers an EAP that includes access to counseling services, you might contact HR or speak with your direct supervisor. 

If your workplace doesn’t offer an EAP, many online therapy providers offer counseling services at affordable rates. In addition, online platforms like BetterHelp work with thousands of therapists, making it easier to find a provider whose schedule matches your work availability. 

Takeaway

Taking a mental health day from work allows you to step away from your responsibilities and refresh your spirit before you reach your breaking point. These short breaks can ultimately result in better work performance, improved creativity, and better physical health. The most effective mental health days often occur when you completely unplug from work and participate in activities that have been shown to boost your mental well-being, such as spending time in nature or scheduling time with your loved ones. If your mental health is consistently affected adversely, you might benefit from working with a therapist. Therapy can help individuals address long-standing challenges and share healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
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