Hey friend!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about something we don’t always talk about enough — the importance of taking true mental health days. I know we all hear about self-care (and how important it is!) all the time, but something that’s just recently clicked for me is how vital it is to give ourselves permission to take a day purely for our mental well-being.

I know I’m not alone in this, but I’m someone who wears a lot of hats. I’m a mom, a clinical director, and the creator of Mommy Me-Tyme, and sometimes, all those roles start to feel like they’re pulling me in a thousand directions. For a long time, I thought I had to keep going — pushing through the exhaustion, juggling all the responsibilities. I was always “on” and constantly moving from one task to the next. But you know what? That mentality caught up with me.

There was a point where my mind started feeling like it was working in overdrive. My brain was constantly buzzing with thoughts, my eyes were heavy, and I felt like I was always racing from one thing to the next without really being present. I was beyond burnout, and I realized something had to change. That’s when I learned how crucial mental health days are — days where you just unplug and give your mind the break it needs to truly rest.

What’s the Difference Between Me-Tyme and Mental Health Days?

Here’s the thing: we talk a lot about “me-time” and “self-care,” and those things are SO important. For me, those are the days when I indulge in my go-to rituals that help me recharge. I love my solo dates, journaling, and massages on these days. It’s about nourishing my spirit and reconnecting with myself in a more intentional way. I go out on my own for a little adventure, I sit down with my journal and let everything pour out, or I get a massage to work out the tension I’m holding in my body. These moments make me feel refreshed, and they’re crucial for me to feel balanced.

But mental health days? Well, they’re a whole different kind of magic.

What Does a Mental Health Day Look Like?

A mental health day isn’t about being productive — it’s about giving yourself space to be without the pressure of doing anything. It’s about truly resting your mind and soul. On these days, I let myself completely disconnect. Here’s what a typical mental health day looks like for me:

• Sleep: First things first — I sleep. A LOT. I let myself stay in bed a little longer, take naps, and just let my body recover. I’ve come to realize that when I’m feeling drained mentally, my body needs the time to heal too.
  
  
• Reading: After some rest, I grab a book that takes me into another world, usually something light and fun. It helps me shift my focus from work and responsibilities to something that brings me joy. No pressure, no deadlines — just a good story.
  
  
• Sudoku: Yep, I know it sounds simple, but I love doing a few Sudoku puzzles. It’s an easy way to focus my mind on something that’s completely different from my daily tasks. Plus, it’s kind of like a little brain workout for me, and I get a sense of accomplishment when I finish a puzzle!
  
  
• Sitting Outside: If the weather’s nice, you’ll find me outside in the fresh air, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. I love just sitting and letting my thoughts drift, enjoying the moment and the calmness of nature around me.
  
  
• Phone on DND: This is a game-changer for me. On my mental health days, I make sure my phone is on Do Not Disturb. No messages. No emails. No calls. It’s me and my own space — and it’s so freeing.
  
  
• Watching Something Light: After a day of resting and recharging, I’ll sometimes end it with a Christmas movie. I know, it might seem silly, but hear me out — Christmas movies are my secret happy place. They always have a happy ending, and they remind me that it’s okay to take a step back and enjoy the simple, joyful things in life. Plus, who doesn’t love a feel-good movie?
  
  

Why Mental Health Days Are Essential

You might be thinking: “Okay, but do I really need a whole day to do nothing?” The answer is yes. Trust me, I get it. As a woman who constantly feels like she has to be doing something, I used to feel guilty for taking a day off just to rest. But I’ve learned that it’s not only okay, it’s necessary. When I take a mental health day, I’m doing so much more than just resting — I’m giving my brain the space it needs to reset. I’m allowing myself to fully unplug from the noise and the endless to-do lists so that I can show up as my best self for my family, my work, and myself.

And here’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned: If I don’t take time for my mental health, I can’t show up fully for anyone else. My mind needs to rest just as much as my body does.

How You Can Make Time for Your Own Me-Tyme & Mental Health Days

I know it can be hard to justify taking a full day for yourself, especially when you have a million things to do. But hear me when I say this: your mental health is just as important as everything else. So, I challenge you to take that step back. Whether it’s a full mental health day where you sleep in and watch Christmas movies, or a self-care day with your favorite solo dates and massages — make it a priority.

You are so worth it.

And if you’ve had a similar experience or have your own mental health day rituals, I’d love to hear them! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments — we’re all in this together.



Until next time, take care of YOU. 💖