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Life as a Gen Z can feel like you're constantly on overdrive. Between school deadlines, internships, part-time work, and staying active on social media, it’s easy to think you need to be on your A-game 24/7. The hustle culture has convinced us that if we’re not grinding, we’re falling behind. But here’s the thing—pushing yourself to the limit without taking a breather doesn’t make you more productive, it just makes you exhausted 🫠.
You’ve probably seen the term self-care all over TikTok, and while face masks and bubble baths are nice, taking a mental health day is next-level self-care. It’s not just about treating yourself—it’s about hitting pause on the stress so you can recharge. For students and young adults juggling a million things at once, a mental health day isn’t a luxury—it’s a must.
The Power of Pause
Let’s be real—none of us are robots. Our brains need time to chill, just like our bodies do. Without rest, stress can build up fast, turning into something more serious like burnout or anxiety. Plus, who hasn’t felt totally wiped out after a week of cramming for exams or staying up late to finish a project? Ignoring the signs that your brain needs a break can mess with your focus and mood big time.
Taking a mental health day is like hitting the reset button. By stepping away from all the pressure, even just for a day, you’re giving your brain the chance to recharge. And guess what? When your brain gets that break, it comes back even stronger—your focus sharpens, your creativity flows, and you’re ready to crush whatever life throws your way.
Break the Burnout Cycle
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it sneaks up on you. One day, you’re on top of your game; and the next, you’re completely drained, snapping at your friends, or feeling like you just can’t anymore. And yeah, it’s a thing that happens to more young people than you might think.
That’s why taking a mental health day before you reach your breaking point is key. You don’t need to be this close to burnout to give yourself permission to rest. The earlier you recognise the signs—like constantly feeling tired or dreading tasks you normally enjoy—the better.
Rest = More Productivity (Seriously!)
This might sound counter-intuitive, but taking a break actually makes you more productive. Everything around us says, “hustle harder,” but grinding 24/7 only leads to mistakes and creative blocks.
Studies show that people who take time off to rest and recharge perform better than those who push themselves non-stop. You might have noticed it yourself—after a good night’s sleep, you’re more focused, and your ideas just seem to flow easier. That’s what happens when you give your brain the time it needs to reset.
What To Do on a Mental Health Day
A mental health day isn’t just about sleeping in all day (although if that’s what you need, go for it!). The point is to spend the day doing things that help you feel relaxed and recharged. Here are a few ideas:
Unplug: Take a break from social media and work emails. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you step away from the constant notifications.
Move your body: Whether it’s going for a walk, doing some yoga, or dancing it out in your room, movement can work wonders for your mental health.
Reflect: Journaling or even just thinking about what’s been stressing you out can help you figure out what’s draining your energy. Bonus: you might even come up with ways to avoid it in the future.
Reconnect with yourself: Join our mental well-being event on 19 October to find peace, embrace your emotions and nurture your inner strength. Explore stress management and coping strategies through an intimate game of cards with Growth Beans and create mindful marbled art with Our Little Faith*.
Changing the Narrative
Let’s ditch the idea that taking a mental health day means you’re weak or can’t handle life. In reality, it’s the opposite—it’s about knowing when to step back, recharge, and come back stronger. Prioritising your mental health isn’t just self-care, it’s a way to keep yourself performing at your best in the long run.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by school, work, or life in general, don’t hesitate to take a day for yourself. Your brain will thank you, and you’ll be more ready than ever to tackle whatever comes next.
*Exclusively for NTUC Starter Members only. Sign up now to experience the Mindfulness Marbling Coaster Workshop (worth $50) during our Mental Well-being Event and unlock up to $500 worth of benefits, including career programmes and upskilling credits, at just $36/ year! Find out more here.
Contributed by Sng Ler Jun
Note: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not represent that of Young NTUC.
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