Don’t be afraid to take a mental health day — it just might be what you need

With exams, projects, essays, part-time jobs, clubs, and classes, it’s safe to say that students have a lot on their plates. Sometimes it gets to be too much, and we find ourselves struggling. 

Most of the time, a simple solution is the answer: a day off. 

An occasional day off — or mental health day — is an opportunity to get away from the sources of your stress, focus on yourself, or do something fun. 

While providing an unlimited number of mental health days would be infeasible, schools like UB should start providing a limited number of mental days to students so that they can take time to focus on their physical and mental health. 

But even without a university-sanctioned day off, sometimes a mental health day is exactly what you need. I recommend taking one every once in a while if you can manage it. Breaks are important; some time off can make you more successful in the long run. 

Here’s a list of the things I do that make me feel better and help turn my day around: 

Going on a walk

Whenever I’m having a hard day, moving my body and connecting with nature help. I love going on walks when it’s nice out. I feel more at peace with a clearer mindset and can focus on the things surrounding me.

Focusing on myself, my body, nature, and my breathing helps me reduce my stress levels. The right playlist can also make the walk more enjoyable.

Engaging with different forms of media

Another thing that gets my mind off any stressful events is to catch up on my favorite podcasts and YouTube videos. Putting on something relatable or light-hearted can make you feel less alone or elevate your mood.

Self-care

Taking the time to take care of yourself and do things for you is important. I like to put on my favorite music and do a skincare routine. I also enjoy journaling and writing down my thoughts or what I am struggling with so that I can look back on it and see the progress that I have made. 

I’ve also been trying to meditate more. Focusing on myself and my breathing allows me to reset my brain. I often put on a calming meditation playlist so I feel like I’m at a spa.

Calling your friends and family 

Lastly, it’s important to reach out to our friends and family when we’re struggling. Many people believe that talking about their struggles will burden others. I’ve learned it won’t. The closest people in your life should be there for you during the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Staying in contact with my friends and family makes me feel a lot better. I can talk to them about everything that’s going on in my life, and they can do the same. We give each other advice on how to handle things. Connection is what makes you feel not alone.

It’s OK to prioritize yourself and your mental health every once in a while. It’s OK to take a break from the world and give yourself some time to reset. It’s OK to have bad days. It is OK to be unproductive. So take a mental health day — and let others do the same. 

The opinion desk can be reached at opinion@ubpsectrum.com