Anonymous: I love my job, but lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed. Every time a new meeting is added to my calendar or something new is added to my to do list, I feel the stress climbing. How can I stop feeling so stressed at work?
Suggestions: It might be time to hit the pause button and treat yourself to a much-needed break. You don’t need to immediately book a tropical vacation, but it would be beneficial to investigate whether you’re able to take a daycation—a day solely dedicated to self-care, relaxation and rejuvenation. Of course, not everyone can take a daycation at a moment’s notice. Likely, you’ll need to time it to give your work adequate notice. But that doesn’t diminish what a day dedicated to you can do.
Imagine waking up without the urgency of an alarm clock, or without the pressure of deadlines or the familiar commute to the office. A daycation—also referred to as a mental health day—offers a much-needed escape from the daily routine, allowing you to step away from the demands of work for a brief period. Just one day for yourself can help reduce stress levels and work anxiety. Toronto-based clinical psychologist, Dr. Natasha Williams agrees.
“Daycations can offer rejuvenation for people who may feel stuck in a mundane routine or experience the increased frustration and irritation of being in the same surroundings and experiencing constant stress and strain,” Williams says.
Taking a daycation allows you to step away from stress triggers, providing a much-needed respite for your mind and body. You can do exactly what you want to do, whether that’s treating yourself to a massage or watching movies in your pyjamas. This mini break can help reduce stress levels, restore balance and promote a sense of calm and tranquility. The key to getting these benefits though is enjoying the day off.
“There has to be a certain mindset that an individual must embrace to enjoy the benefits of a daycation,” Williams cautions. “An individual who has difficulty with boundaries or the ability to separate work and leisure wouldn’t benefit from a daycation. Especially if they use a daycation or change of scenery to transfer their work stress from one environment to another.”
Our bodies and minds aren’t designed to operate at full throttle indefinitely. Just as our smartphones need to be recharged regularly, so do we. Daycations provide the opportunity to recharge your batteries and replenish your energy levels. Whether you spend the day exploring nature, indulging in a spa day or simply lounging in bed with a good book, this dedicated time to recharge will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized and ready to take on new challenges.
Start by choosing a day that works best for you—a day when you can fully disconnect from work and focus on rejuvenating yourself. Consider activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s exploring the city, immersing yourself in a creative hobby or spending quality time with loved ones. Prioritize activities that help you disconnect from work-related stress and reconnect with yourself.
By taking dedicated time for self-care and rejuvenation, you’ll tap into a deeper sense of balance, clarity and motivation.
Talk to your manager about taking a mental health day, plan your daycation and power up for a happier, healthier and more productive you. Your mind, body and work-life balance will thank you.