Marvelous Mental Health Days

When my children were small and would complain of a head or stomach ache (invariably on a school day), I'd let them know that their (supposed) ailments weren't necessary to prove, as they could ask to take a "mental health day".

A 2008 survey conducted by ComPsych found that 82% of employees polled confirmed that they took mental health days due to family/relationship issues, stress, personal issues and lack of motivation.

Whether for students or those in the working world, is it time you could benefit from this liberating practice?

• A beginning trend, but not yet widely instituted- more employers are starting to pool sick, personal and vacation days so that workers can take the day off for any reason they deem necessary.

• Start a precedent and plan a mental health day in advance, scheduling it the day before or after the week-end to maximize its benefits.

• It's the hard workers (so give yourself permission for this reward) who truly need to be restored and energized, as idlers will inevitably find excuses not to be working.

• If self-employed or a solo practitioner, think about creating your own fringe benefits-get away from the phone and technological task-masters-you ultimately work better when your personal spark plugs get re-charged.

• Whether spur-of-the-moment or just several hours in duration, make the most of it. (Time for "true confessions"-several years ago, while working as a social worker (high stress, high caseloads), two friends and I suddenly decided to take a breather and meet at the movies. We reveled in "The English Patient", and ended the day feeling deliciously conspiratorial, giggly and NOT guilty-a needed break that was just what the doctor ordered!)

• It sometimes takes practice to elevate this self-nurturing time to an art form-no errands, medical appointments, house cleaning, etc.-pamper yourself and/or spend time with those you love.

• Might the idea of the mental health day stimulate your thinking about the possibility of taking a sabbatical –changing locales, lifestyle, pursuing a dream –who knows?

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!