How to have a mental healthy day

Society is becoming more supportive of improving mental health through self-care, self-reflection, etc. As a result, there is this concept of a mental health day . If you're wondering what a mental healthy day is, you're in luck.

A mental health day is a day dedicated to self that's meant to reset your mind without any external influences. A mental healthy day is quite similar to a self care day. During this day, you are cleansing yourself mentally. You are living in the now. Don't worry about that upcoming test next week or what your friends are posting on snapchat. Nothing outside of yourself matter on that day. It is beneficially to have a mental health day at least once a month. Think of it as a self-checkup. On that day, you are your own doctor. Make sure that mental you are feeling okay and if you're not, bring some positivity into your life. There is a numerous ways to enjoy and have a mental health day but here are some tips on how you should go about that day.

Step 1: Block out external factors

This is your healthy day. The keyword is your. Limit the amount of screen time you use on that day. For most teenagers, we spend the bulk of our day checking up on instagram and snapchat posts. On this day, you block out those things. It may be hard just remember your life doesn't depend on it. Additionally, don't think about the past or the future. Think of where you are and what you are doing at that moment. Don't think about tomorrow or three years from now. The only thing that matters is now. Ignore what's stressing you out. Though it is quite tough, it's not impossible. The point of this step is to center your attention on your present self. Nothing else matters on that day.

Step 2: The Check-up

As I mentioned in the introduction, you must asses yourself on this mental day. The point of this step is to check your mental health at that moment. You can do this by asking yourself questions like:

How do I feel right now? ( Are you mad?Happy? Depressed? Hopeless? Or are you feeling neutral? )

How can I improve this current feeling? ( Usually you can improve this feeling by doing something you enjoy such as watching a movie on Netflix , cleaning your room, cooking, drawing , etc.)

What can I do to add positivity to my current environment? ( Music, Reading quotes, exercise, etc.)

Where do I want to be right now? ( Bahamas, Hollywood, New York, London, Museum, etc. Envision yourself in these places.)

Who would I love to be around at this moment? ( Mom, brother, girlfriend, best friend, etc. )

These questions should all focus on your current energy and how to improve it. If it doesn't need to be improved , focus on how to keep it that way. Notice that none of these questions as why. "Why" questions bring up stuff that can be stressful and negative. For example, if you ask yourself why you are feeling a certain way, it will cause anger to arise and stress. Why your feeling a certain way doesn't matter on this day, the only thing that matters is removing this feeling.

3. Just do it ( not sponsored by Nike)

After answer these questions, make it happen ! You have all the answers you need, just put it to action. If adding positivity to your environment means jumping up and down on your bed listening to 90s music then go ahead and do it. If you feel like reading will make you happier, go find the biggest book you can and read until your brain is fried. The point is the carry out your day as you envision it by doing the thing you love.

4. Reflection

End your day on a positive note. Think of how you felt throughout the day. Walk into tomorrow with a new mindset and you conquer those external influences on your mental health. Think of how you can limit the negative impact these external influences are having on your health. For example, if you are stressed about an essay that's due in a few days, you may consider divide it into smaller sections and complete each section within a specific time slot rather than doing it all at once. You might do aim to complete page one from 5-6 pm with limited distractions and if you have extra time you can move on to page two. Then you would take a break and from 8-9 you do page 2. Another example would be if you're having a hard time retaining the information in an important class. You may consider sorting out relevant information from irrelevant ones or seeking help. There are many ways to reduce the stress in your life and sometimes it has to do with improving yourself such as your communication skills ( for social problems) or your work ethic and time management.