. You deserve it. If you’re wondering what’s a mental health day, and why it’s worth taking one every now and again, well consider this: 

 when they were really suffering from a mental health issue, like stress, anxiety or depression. The problem of workplace stress is all too real. That’s why employers are looking for ways to help their workers cope better with stress, achieve a better work-life balance, and minimize these so-called sick days. Ironically, one of the best strategies to reduce the number of days employees take off due to mental health is giving them more time off, in the form of mental health days. Let’s take a look at why.

A mental health day is a day of leave that you take off from work or school, for the specific purpose of focusing on your personal wellbeing and mental health. Mental health days are not the usual sick days or vacation leave days, which are mandatory by law. However, some workplaces do offer mental health days as an extra benefit, as part of their strategy of dealing with mental health issues in the workplace.

If you are feeling the need to take a breather at work, it might be time to ask for a mental health day. In the past, 

an employee who was feeling burnt out might call in sick

. Today, many employers are beginning to understand the importance of mental health in the workplace, and asking for a day off to focus on mental health no longer comes with the stigma it once had. So first, things first: if you have a supportive manager, and you feel you can confide your need for a mental health day, let them know. You don’t need to explain the reasons why; these are personal. But if you can, then being honest about your need to focus on your wellbeing is a very therapeutic and important part of mental health. Now it’s time to decide how to spend your mental health day. There are no ‘rules’ about 

what a mental health day should look like

. How you focus on your wellbeing is entirely up to you. Here are some things people might like to do on a mental health day:

Attend a relaxation class, such as yoga or meditation

Engage in physical fitness, like swimming laps or going for a nature walk

Switch off from all chores, errands or commitments, and spend time writing in a journal, or processing your emotions

Do something fun! Meet up with an old friend, go rollerskating, go to the beach… the list is endless.

Mental health days are good for employees and good for employers too. For employees, taking a mental health day can be very helpful in managing stress, reducing anxiety and preventing burnout at work, before it sets in. For employers, providing mental health days to employees can help improve productivity, reduce absenteeism and employee turnover, and increase mental health awareness in the workplace. Let’s take a look at 5 benefits of taking mental health days at work:

Stress is one of the top drivers of difficulties in the workplace. According to the American Institute of Stress, 

, and 10% of these suffer from severe stress at work! The number one priority of mental health days is reducing stress. Mental health at work is not just a problem for the individual; it’s a collective issue. When a colleague is anxious, burnt out or otherwise going through a difficult time, this affects the productivity and output of the team. Twenty-nine percent of employees who are under stress have yelled at a co-worker! Taking time out when needed is one of the mental health initiatives in the workplace that can make a difference.

Complicated projects, strict deadlines, angry customers, or strenuous physical labor – these are all ways that work can be hard. It is entirely reasonable for employees to have a break every now and again from hard work, and take the time they need to rest, recuperate and replenish their energy stores. And it’s not just reasonable, but necessary: workplace stress has an impact on both physical performance and cognition. 

, for example, disrupts a person's ability to perform physical tasks about 20% of the time, while 35% of the time, it reduces cognitive performance.

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but that is a surefire way to burnout. One of the benefits of taking mental health days at work is the time it allows for self reflection. Reflecting on one’s self, evaluating our situation, and revisiting our goals and dreams helps to 

, which is key to managing the challenges of work and life. During a mental health day, the employee has the time and emotional space to evaluate their current situation, and identify stressors or pain points that may be contributing to burnout, anxiety and a host of other issues of mental health at work.

 is spent at work. With so much time in the workplace, it is sometimes hard to get the distance necessary for a new perspective. Problems at work can seem to be constantly repeating themselves, or fraught with consequences, or perhaps even insurmountable. For example, if you are 

 with your boss, this can be a huge source of stress. Apart from the difficulties interacting, you may worry that you will be passed over for a promotion, or that your work won’t be given the recognition it deserves. By taking a mental health day, you can create the distance to look at problems with a fresh eye, and perhaps even come up with creative solutions.

5. Awareness for a better work environment

 struggle with a form of mental illness, so mental health issues at work are inevitable at every company. Awareness is the first step for how to improve mental health in the workplace. Awareness helps create a better work environment in two key ways. Firstly, it reduces stigma around mental health. When colleagues are open about their mental health issues, this paves the way for mutual sharing, so the shame and embarrassment around mental health begins to break down. Secondly, awareness helps to build understanding and empathy. Co-workers can learn to support one another, which enhances teamwork, and creates a more humane and caring work environment.

Mental health days at work are a gift that every worker deserves

By giving employees the gift of mental health days, employers are not just helping to build awareness of mental health issues; they are actively showing their support for those struggling with mental health, and demonstrating that mental health activities in the workplace are a top priority. 

This will certainly lead to reduced stress at work and increased productivity

. And it will also lead to a better, healthier and happier world (and therefore great 

5 Reasons why Mental Health Days at Work are worth it

Remember how it felt to be a kid? Homework, grades, and the fear of not fitting in. Cafeteria food, peer pressure, and missing the school bus!

 Imagine feeling all that stress (which is totally normal for school-age students), but coupled with the upheaval of the COVID pandemic over the past few years. The emotional, social and educational toll is significant. It’s no wonder that back-to-school anxiety is more real than ever. 

Let’s drill down and look at several reasons why back-to-school anxiety levels may be high, particularly in the era of the pandemic:

School disruptions during lockdowns have led to many kids being behind in their studies or not meeting educational milestones. In fact, students are on average 

Kids may worry excessively about their health amid new COVID variants. They may also be stressed at the prospect of their family or friends being exposed to the virus or having to go back into isolation. Even in areas where restrictions are no longer in force, some kids may have anxiety due to previous trauma.

After extended periods of remote learning, children are less accustomed to the social stimulation of the school day. They may feel overwhelmed, or have difficulties creating and maintaining friendships.

For some kids, going back-to-school means moving out of the comfort zone they’ve become used to at home. This can cause 

, where children don’t want to leave their parents or guardians and may even refuse to go to school.

During school closures, students did not have to stick to a regular routine. Getting back into the habit of rising early, following the class schedule, doing homework, and studying for exams can be very challenging.

Parenting school-age kids and even college students is never easy. And all the issues around post-COVID back-to-school anxiety makes it even harder. So how do you recognize if your child or teen might be anxious about going back-to-school after break? As a parent, how can you deal with the anxiety of going back to school after COVID?

The biggest gift you can give kids is your attention. Kids thrive on 

, and these provide you with an opportunity to closely observe what’s going on with them mentally and emotionally. Make sure to spend quality time with them every day. Pay attention to any changes in behavior. If you have any concerns, seek assistance from your family doctor or a trained therapist.

2. Create opportunities for activities and socialization

During the pandemic, kids and college students missed out on the daily interactions that are so important to building social skills and a healthy learning environment. Now it’s time to catch up, and that may contribute to back-to-school anxiety for parents and their kids! The best thing parents can do is to encourage kids to socialize in a safe and supportive environment. This way, they can slowly build up their confidence, and reduce the social anxiety of being back at school. A great way to get back into socializing is with an 

, like a sports team or social club. This is also great for teens and 

, who can learn to connect with peers over shared interests.

Teachers today are often overloaded with large class sizes, lots of assignments to grade, and issues to resolve in and out of the classroom. This can make it hard for a particular child to get the attention they need and subtle problems often fly under the radar. Make sure to keep an open channel of communication with school staff and teachers. In fact, when parents communicate with teachers, research shows 

better educational and emotional outcomes for kids

As noted in the classic book “The Road Less Traveled” by psychiatrist M Scott Peck, “If a child sees his parents day in and day out behaving with self-discipline, restraint, dignity and a capacity to order their own lives, then the child will come to feel in the deepest fibers of his being that this is the way to live.” (p.21) Kids who grow up with healthy, balanced parents as role models tend to develop healthy, balanced behaviors too. That’s why it is so important to set an example. Eating well, exercising regularly, and dealing in a healthy way with your emotions are all ways to model good mental health. 

 is also a powerful tool for mental health. It teaches you to understand and accept your thoughts and feelings, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Anxiety about going back to school after COVID 2022: Don’t ignore it

Back-to-school anxiety has always been around, but this year, the situation is different. Children, teens, and even college-age students are apprehensive about returning to “normal”. For these young people, school represents academic pressure, unknown social situations, and heightened anxiety that can have a big impact on children’s health and the mental health of our youth. So parents, be aware, attentive, and communicative with your kids and their teachers. And above all, be a healthy, positive role model. This is the best antidote to school anxiety.

4 tips to deal with back to school anxiety for kids or students

‘Fall Funk’: That cloudy feeling that’s most accurately described as ‘bleh’ or ‘meh.’

 As the summer sun sets, the weather cools, and the ground is sprinkled with orange, crunchy leaves…you know that fall is here. And along with it: 

 come out of nowhere and stick around longer than you’d hope. Motivation plummets, Netflix binging goes way up, and you find yourself in a not-so-fun mood, longing for happier days. The good news? It’s fixable! (Extra TLC required.) Read on for science-backed ways of getting out of a funk. We’ll talk about ways to take care of your mental health – and move those blues along – when (and if) ‘fall funk’ comes for a visit.

What’s The Difference Between Sadness and Depression?

Is it a short-lived slumpy mood (sadness) OR a prolonged period of deep sadness (depression)? 

This is the very first question you need to ask yourself. On one hand, 

 is normal - and healthy! It’s on the spectrum of human emotions, and a natural reaction to external events like loss, disappointments, and challenges. Like a cloud, it’s there for a while until it dissipates to reveal sunny skies once again. On the other side, 

 is a serious condition. It’s so pervasive that it starts to affect your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Depression can 

 self-loathing, fatigue, and body aches. It’s more like a stubborn, stormy cloud over your head that follows you wherever you go. Here’s our 

 of the difference between a ‘sadness funk’ and ‘depression funk’:

You can still experience small moments of joy in between the waves of sadness

 yourself or relate to events and people around you

Even though you want it gone ASAP, you still know it’s a passing phase

You lose interest in activities you once enjoyed

It lasts for a long while (usually two weeks or more)

You feel a sense of hopelessness and like things will never get better

*NOTE: While a self-assessment is a great place to start, only a licensed professional can diagnose you accurately.*

 If you’re suspecting depression could be the cause of your slump, it may be time to speak with a mental health expert to help manage your moods. But if your symptoms are more in line with sadness, keep reading for 5 ways that will help you shake off those slumpy vibes a lot quicker.

A funk is when your body needs some major TLC - but it’s also when you'll be the least motivated to make that extra effort. The trick? Keep it as simple as possible so your mind feels it’s do-able, even when you’re down and out. Here are 

 of getting out of a funk and nurturing better mental health.

When you can’t mentally shake the funk, physically shake it off! Your initial instinct may be to curl up on a couch and stay stagnant; and while rest is healthy, at some point, you’ll need to get your body moving. Get out for a walk, run on the treadmill, dance in your room, or do whatever type of movement feels the easiest and least overwhelming. Getting exercise can help you 

 symptoms of stress and anxiety, and you’ll instantly feel the difference.

“Eat your fruits and veggies!” - it’s timeless advice that never fails us. A variety of veggies, a rainbow of fruits, whole grains instead of refined, healthy proteins and oils, and lots of water are among the recommendations by 

. And just as important as what you eat? When you eat it. Eating in harmony with your body’s 

 (ie. eating at regular times and avoiding late night snacking) can help stabilize your energy and mood throughout the day.

#3: Embrace It Instead of Overthinking It

Sadness funks come with the package…it’s part of being a human! If you obsess over getting rid of it, you might end up ruminating on the sadness. And the science says it’s not helpful: 

 can cause anxiety, depression, and sleeping troubles, and it gets in the way of making good decisions. So embrace the funk. Sit with it. Accept it. And once you do, chances are that it’ll go away much faster.

You hop online, only to get sucked in by your Facebook, Instagram, or Tik Tok feed and before you know it, 30, 60, or even 90 minutes have passed. Sound familiar? (We’re definitely guilty of it!) Well, the studies have been done and the verdict is in: limiting social media 

 feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Even though a lazy funk may leave you with the tendency to ‘doomscroll’, avoiding social media during a funk is best for your mental health. (Or at least, limiting your usage to 

#5: Practice Self-Compassion & Be Your Own Best Friend

If your best friend or sibling was in a funk, what would you suggest for them? You’d likely tell them to take it easy, ditch the negative self-talk, and take the day off to do something that feels good for their soul. …And now is the time to take your own fabulous advice! As a back-up, we’re here to tell you: You’re doing great! Sadness happens to everyone. Relax, let go, and do something that fills you up.

Funk is a sure sign that your brain needs a mini-vacay, and there’s no better way than meditation paired with the 

 the overthinking, anxiety, and worrying that can dampen your mood - and often, quieting your thoughts can disappear the sadness altogether. And even better yet? A daily meditation practice that can prevent the slumps before they even happen! If you’ve struggled to stick to regular meditation practice – or you’re just getting started with your mental health journey – the Orb is the companion you need on your path to wellness. The orb brings your attention to the ‘here and now by reading your body and giving you a snapshot of your 

, it’ll help you understand what your body needs to truly relax. 

Getting out of a funk is an inner journey. Get started with 

5 Ways to Leave the ‘Fall Funk’ Behind

Think back to just a decade ago. The smartphone was relatively new, and wearable tech, such as the smartwatch or FitBit, was just a fantasy. Today, most of the world’s population uses a smartphone (

!) and most of our everyday activities are done at home, with smart devices. The same goes for biofeedback. Once, 

 was limited to clinical settings – you had to see a doctor or biofeedback therapist with highly-specialized and very expensive equipment. Now? There are several at-home biofeedback devices on the market, so people all over the world who are interested in trying out biofeedback on themselves, in the comfort of home, can actually do so. If you’re one of those people, keep reading. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at biofeedback uses, benefits, and what you need to know before buying an at-home biofeedback device.

Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that helps you identify various physiological changes as they occur in response to different stressors and situations. By being able to recognize them, you can learn to control them, leading to reduced stress and anxiety, and improved health and wellbeing. During biofeedback, you are connected via skin sensors to a device that measures certain physiological markers, such as heart rate, muscle tension and breathing patterns. These measurements are displayed on the biofeedback device in various visual and auditory ways. Either by yourself or with a therapist, you complete different relaxation exercises and receive immediate feedback from the device about involuntary physiological responses. For example, a slowing heart rate may be indicated by a slowing musical rhythm, or a light turns from red to blue to show that your brain wave activity has calmed. The goal of biofeedback is to achieve small, subtle changes in the mind-body connection that help you cope with the symptoms of stress, by relaxing your body and 

. An at-home biofeedback device is a training tool to help you practice mindfulness with or

 so that you can maintain your health and wellbeing during the everyday challenges and stress of life.

 that are used in clinical settings. Many of these can also be done by yourself, thanks to the range of 

 that are becoming more sophisticated and accurate. The most common types of biofeedback include:

: variations in the time between heartbeats

Galvanic skin response: miniscule changes in the sweat response

At-home biofeedback devices may offer one or more of the above biofeedback methods. Biofeedback devices for at-home use come in several different forms:

Wearable devices such as watches, headbands, patches, and more

Choosing the right biofeedback method or device for you will depend on your goals.

Biofeedback is a powerful tool to help manage stress and thereby improve a range of physical and emotional or mental issues. It offers several important benefits in contrast to other forms of therapy.

Biofeedback does not rely on medications.

Biofeedback therapy does not require you to take any medications. This means it can be done in conjunction with other medical or alternative therapeutics without any concern. For people who cannot or don’t want to take medication, it may be an effective option.

 for everyone and does not have any side effects. This makes it a great choice for people of all ages without any risk. Also, it is non-invasive, only requiring external application of sensors on different parts of the body. This is completely painless and safe.

Biofeedback is versatile for many health and wellbeing issues.

Biofeedback offers several different techniques and methods, meaning it can be applied to your specific goals and needs. For example, biofeedback is a 

 for learning how to cope with feelings of stress and 

Biofeedback was first introduced as a concept in 1969. In the fifty years since it has been thoroughly tested in clinical settings, and various 

 have shown its effectiveness for treating different problems. For example, biofeedback training is scientifically proven effective in 

. In addition, a review of the literature shows that biofeedback may help with 

. The clinical research on biofeedback is ongoing and continues to show that for many mind-body concerns, biofeedback is indeed an effective and proven therapy option.

Biofeedback requires the use of sensitive equipment for accurate physiological measurement and tracking. For this reason, biofeedback was generally only available in clinical settings. Not anymore! With advances in technology for personal use, more at-home biofeedback devices are becoming available, making it entirely possible to do “self-biofeedback” and get the benefits in your own space and time.

Medical Uses of At-Home Biofeedback Devices

At-home biofeedback devices can be used as a therapy option for treating a range of medical issues. Because biofeedback is safe and has no side effects, it can be used in addition to prescription medications or other medical treatments. Some of the 

Depending on the type of at-home biofeedback device and treatment, during the session, one or more of the following physiological markers may be measured and tracked: Heart rate: Using a finger or earlobe sensor, the device detects changes in blood volume and calculates the heart rate. Muscle contractions: Sensors are placed over the skeletal muscles to monitor the electrical activity that causes minor involuntary contractions and tension. Galvanic sweat response: Sensors on the fingers, palm, or wrist detect miniscule changes in the amount of sweat on the skin. Breathing: Bands placed around the chest and abdomen measure changes in breathing rate. Body temperature: Using sensors on the fingers or feet, blood flow is measured to determine a drop in temperature. In addition to medical uses, at-home biofeedback training can be used to help manage a variety of mental or emotional issues, such as:

Taking control of your health and wellness is the most obvious benefit of using an at-home biofeedback device. However, compared to clinical sessions, at-home devices offer two unique advantages. First, clinical biofeedback therapy can range from $35 to $85 per session, depending on the type of therapy and the qualifications of the biofeedback therapist. For many people, this is not an affordable option. While an at-home biofeedback device can range from $20 to $1,000, some of the best devices are in the $200 range, making them far more accessible. Plus, it is a one-time purchase that you can use for many years, giving you more value for money in the long term. Secondly, a portable at-home biofeedback device offers the flexibility and convenience to do biofeedback at your own pace, whenever is convenient for you and in the comfort of your own home. With an at-home device, you can also integrate biofeedback into your existing wellness routine. For instance, if you meditate regularly, you can use an at-home biofeedback device to get even more from the practice.

What to Consider Before You Buy an At-Home Biofeedback Device

Before you invest in an at-home biofeedback device, here are some things to consider: 

 The type of at-home biofeedback device you need will depend mostly on what you want to achieve from the therapy. Are you looking for:

The device must provide the measurement capabilities for the physiological marker that you want to track. Deciding what you hope to accomplish with your at-home biofeedback device before you buy will guide you toward choosing the best one for you. 

 Any device that is easy to use will naturally fit better into your lifestyle and routine. For example, when using the Reflect Orb, simply place your hands on the orb and start gathering biofeedback. This simplicity makes it easier to include biofeedback as part of your routine and stick to it. 

 Not all devices are created equal. Always do a little research and examine the claims being made before you buy. You don’t want to waste money on a device that isn’t suited to your needs, and therefore won’t have the capabilities to help you achieve your desired outcome.

Doing biofeedback at home, on your own, is becoming a popular choice for people who are interested in the 

 therapy. Thanks to this increase in demand (and advances in technology), many at-home biofeedback devices are becoming available on the market, each with different functions, features and capabilities. Here are 5 examples of effective at-home biofeedback devices and what you can expect from each.

 is an at-home biofeedback device that connects to an app to track your journey and help you to understand the effects of your practice. The orb is fully portable and uses HRV (heart rate variability) and EDA (electrodermal activity) measurements that are taken through your fingers while holding the Orb. The soft, round device changes color in response to your stress levels, guiding you toward a calmer state while the app tracks and analyzes your progress. The Reflect App will also give users meditation reminders and relaxation tips to help support you on your wellness journey. 

You can purchase the Reflect Orb and App for $199.00.

The Muse headband uses EEG (Electromyography) to sense your brain activity and guide it toward calm and focus. Muse connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth. During meditation, the Muse app will track your session and when your mind is calm you’ll hear peaceful weather sounds. But when your mind is active or you’re not focused on the meditation, you’ll hear stormy weather to remind you to return your attention to your breath. You can review your results and track your progress via the app through a series of graphs and charts. You can monitor your heart, breathing, and brain activity in real-time with Muse. Muse headbands range from $249.00 to $409.99 and have various accessories available for sale as well.

The EmWave2 is a portable at-home biofeedback device that connects to your computer and uses heart rate variability (HRV) measurements to track subtle changes in your heart rate. The device monitors coherence, a state of synchronization between the 

, brain, and heart. Coherence can help improve emotional health and wellbeing, as well as performance. When your body is under stress, 

 patterns may become irregular, which can 

 function and wellbeing. Positive emotions promote a more coherent and ordered heart pattern. EmWave2 is aimed at promoting sleep, relaxation, and focus, and ranges from $229.00 to $249.00.

Via an ear clip, Unyte iom2 utilizes HRV to measure what they call your Resonance score – a reflection of your state of relaxation or stress. Paired with interactive meditations, called Journeys, the iom2 helps users gain awareness of their physical state and thoughts while guiding them through deeper meditations. The interactive meditations also include a customizable breathing indicator that guides users toward their optimum breathing rate. Unyte iom2 is compatible with computer, tablet, or smartphone and includes a web-based dashboard that tracks usage and progress. Unyte iom2 device can be purchased for $199.99 with an annual subscription of $59.99 to Journeys, or as a lifetime bundle that includes everything for $349.99

Numerous biofeedback video games have been introduced to the market in recent years for adults, teens and kids. These are an engaging and enjoyable way to do biofeedback at home. 

 of interactive video games that integrate biofeedback techniques have been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety. Some example of biofeedback video games include:

Can kids benefit from using The Orb?

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Releated articles

5 Reasons why Mental Health Days at Work are worth it

4 tips to deal with back to school anxiety for kids or students

5 Ways to Leave the ‘Fall Funk’ Behind

5 At-Home Biofeedback Devices for Optimal Mental Health and Wellness

Can kids benefit from using The Orb?

Relaxation, at your fingertips.

Subscribe for updates

Releated articles

5 Reasons why Mental Health Days at Work are worth it

4 tips to deal with back to school anxiety for kids or students

5 Ways to Leave the ‘Fall Funk’ Behind

5 At-Home Biofeedback Devices for Optimal Mental Health and Wellness

Relaxation,
at your fingertips.