The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most testing and stressful moments in recent history. It’s confusing, frustrating and we can’t wait for it to be over. As we've continuously heard over the past two years, we are in ‘unprecedented’ times— and because the way we live our lives has been completely upended—experts continuously remind us that it is okay to take a day off for your mental health.
Even before the pandemic, studies showed that nearly half of Canadians are drained by the end of the workday— which is why taking a day off is key to feeling better. But did you know the trick to getting the most out of the mental health day is picking the right one?
This might seem obvious but according to several experts, the worst day to request time off would be on a Wednesday simply because it is harder to disengage yourself from your job in the middle of the week. Chances are if you take Wednesday off, you’ll likely think about work or speak to your co-workers or worse, actually do some work.
The best day to take off (according to experts) would be on a Friday so that it gives you that extra-long weekend. In second place is Monday, to avoid the Monday blues.
Taking a mental health day off work is one small way to make a positive difference in your mental and physical well-being. It won’t resolve all your problems, but it can greatly help alleviate stress.
Lastly, don’t feel that you are alone in how you feel because chances are some of your co-workers feel the same way. According to a 2020 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, one in three employees report often feeling tired or having little energy during the weekday.
