Many of us feel the need to call in whenever we feel tired or sick. However, since we don’t want to lose any money, we still choose to come to work. But the reality is that sometimes, coming to work might not be the best option: Many companies are now encouraging workers to stay home, especially those with respiratory illnesses.
But what if you’re feeling overwhelmed and mentally exhausted from work? You may want to take a day off as well. Here are five signs you need to take a mental health day off from work:
1. You feel less productive at work.
If you struggle to focus on your assigned tasks or meet your deadlines at work, it can be because you’re stressed. Stress usually leads to a loss of motivation and confidence. If the demands of your job and life become too much, your job performance can be affected in numerous ways. So to recharge, you may need to take a day off from work.
2. You are burnt out.
According to a survey published by Deloitte, 77% of respondents have said they have experienced burnout. Some signs of burnout include the inability to complete tasks, mood swings, and physical symptoms such as headaches. Statistics indicate that employees are more likely to make mistakes, have lower morale, and miscommunicate because of burnout. So if you’re experiencing burnout, you may need to take a day off to clear your mind from work.
3. You feel sick all the time.
You may feel tired on your way to work or during your workday. You may also experience migraines and headaches that last until the evening. Chronic stress often leads to physical symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle aches, and heartburn. To recover from these conditions, you may need to eliminate the source of stress, which may be pressure from the workplace. So it’s best to take a day off and take care of yourself.
4. You’re always in a bad mood.
You find yourself getting easily irritable over small tasks at work. Moreover, when commuting to work, the thought of work frustrates you. This can be due to various factors. But you may need to recharge if you always find yourself in a bad mood before and during work. When you’re recharging, stay away from the atmosphere causing you stress. Your head will clear up eventually.
5. You forget tasks.
You always used to remember to finish tasks and assignments given to you by your manager. However, if you start forgetting tasks, you may be experiencing an information overload. When you have to remember so many steps and procedures, the occasional task or project may slip to the back burner. If this happens, it’s best to clear your head.
By taking a mental health day, you can clear your head from work-related tasks and focus on yourself. Therefore, when you come back to work, you’ll be ready to tackle new tasks and complete old ones.
If you experience one of these five signs, consider stepping away from your desk for a day or two. You can always catch up whenever you return to the office. Remember that it’s always best to prioritize your well-being.
After all, everyone deserves a break, regardless of how good or bad the work environment is.
Featured image via Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
