Taking a Mental Health Day: Retriggering the Anxiety Cycle by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall

‘Sometimes you’ve got to face the darkness to step into the Light again’– James Arthur ‘Sermon’

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(image: rockonruby.co.uk)
I just want to start this post by saying that I am doing alright- I just have moments of bad anxiety or panic when triggered by specific issues. This week, I have been feeling more anxious than normal and when this happens I often have to take a step back, take a mental health day to rest and relax and recover.

As many of you know, I have social anxiety and this manifests in various ways. At the moment, I have issues with body image as I have put on a lot of weight over the past 5 years- partly due to medication and partly to lifestyle (I love sugar and don’t move as much). However, this means that in some situations,  my anxiety gets a bit heightened.

Early mornings are also the worst time for me in terms of anxiety so I try and do things later in the day now.

So what do my mental health days look like?

Sometimes they can involve:

– Sleeping or resting if needed for a few hours
– Watching something funny- today I watched the Windsors Royal Wedding special
– Speaking to a friend
– Eat something healthy that I love (and sometimes eating chocolate.. which I am trying to stop)
– Taking space and time from work to breathe. As I am self employed, I make my own hours so I know this isn’t the same for everyone.

Listening to relaxing music, taking a bath, doing something mindful eg colouring or going for a walk if I feel able are also good.

I am looking forward to a more restful weekend and taking care of my mental health. Once I’ve had a mental health day I usually feel better, more rested, calmer and centred.

Overwhelm is hard but it doesnt have to rule everything.

I’d love to hear about what you do when overwhelm sets in, to help ease the tension?

Love,

Eleanor x 

Published by Eleanor Segall

I blog about life with bipolar and anxiety disorders, come and join me.

20 thoughts on “Taking a Mental Health Day: Retriggering the Anxiety Cycle by Eleanor”

      1. Yes, so hard! It’s also something so hard to explain to others – get’s so frustrating to even attempt. Yes, I find that taking some time to myself – much like yourself, helps me so much. Also, although hard at times, I find being honest with those closest to me – in letting them know its a ‘bad day,’ helps them give me the time I need to recharge.

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  3. Exercise for me is key for mental health workout. Mornings are best as it sets me up for the day. If you don’t have the time, a 20 minute HIIT (high intensity interval training) is ideal, and you can do this at home without any equipment. Look for Joe Wicks on Youtube. Cold water swimming is also very beneficial. Minimum of 20 minutes. It’s also good for your immune system.

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  7. I’m a bit late to the conversation – I just found your blog. I gave up my job a few months back due to constant overwhelm, and know how important it is to look after myself. Now I get overwhelmed with worry about not having a job! I find the best thing I can do is to make myself get dressed and go outside, even if it’s just outside the back door. Feeling and noticing the feelings of the fresh air on my face and in my lungs always helps. The more I’m outside, the better I feel, and the best I have ever felt in my life is outdoor swimming in the winter. Snow, sleet and rain on my face make me feel alive. A combination of ‘bad’ weather and a lake swim is best of all 🙂

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