Not taking any days off work is highly commendable. It’s the kind of hard work we should all aspire to have. However, regardless of how much you love your job, it’s likely you get the urge to take a day off at least every once in a while. While part of being a good employee is going to work in the first place, taking advantage of your paid leave can be a good thing. So here’s 5 reasons why you should take the occasional day off work:
Your day off is a work day for everyone else
It’s safe to assume that most people are busy during the weekdays. This means empty roads, restaurants and any other public space you can think of. It’s the kind of freedom you won’t get any other way. Weekends, after all, are the times when these spaces are the most buzzing with people. Taking a day off means you’ll have the satisfaction of doing simple things like having lunch or going shopping, without worrying about things like waiting or queueing up.
It could be just what you need to get back on track
Many of us have busy lives even outside of work. Perhaps you’ve been worrying about finding the time to clear out some old closet space. Or you just need a day or two to finish a side project you’re working on. It’s hard to find time for personal responsibilities when your 9-to-5 seems to take all your energy out. At times like this, taking a day off could be just what you need. If you feel like you’ve got too much piled on your plate, that one day off might be ideal for getting you back on the grind.
It’s good for your mental health
Taking a day off, even if you spend the day being unproductive, could bring on a sigh of relief for your mental health. Getting a mental break is just important as it is to physically rest. Most people understand that we need to allow our bodies to rest to avoid getting sick. It is common for people to take a day off when getting early symptoms of a cold so it doesn’t get worse. The same applies to your mental health. Allowing yourself to focus on things other than work, even just for a day, can bring in a variety of mental and emotional benefits.
You’re burning out
Regardless of the industry you’re in or position you hold, going to work every day is going to burn you out eventually. There are often signs that this is happening. Examples of these include stressing about work after leaving the office, ignoring important emails or even struggling to wake up each morning. It’s completely normal for mentally strenuous jobs to eventually take a toll on you. If you find yourself feeling drained or flustered with work, taking a day off, or maybe two, can help you come back feeling as motivated as you once were.
You’re questioning your job
This can be a tricky situation to be in. You’ve reached a point where your current main source of income is proving to be unworthy. Maybe you’ve been considering trying to explore your other options. Before you do anything drastic, like handing in a resignation letter, try taking some time off first to think things through. Sometimes, time away can help you focus more and help you realise what you really want.
