What is a mental health day at work?

A mental health day at work is time off to rest, reset and look after your emotional and psychological wellbeing. It is taken to prevent burnout or crisis, not only when you are physically unwell.

Why are mental health days important for women?

Women often carry a heavy mental load at home and at work. Mental health days help prevent overwhelm and burnout so you can protect your energy, stay well and sustain your performance over time.

How can I ask for a mental health day?

You do not have to share every detail. Simple phrases such as I need to take a personal day or I am not feeling one hundred percent and need to take a mental health day to recharge are usually enough, as long as you follow your workplace policy.

What should I do on a mental health day?

A mental health day is not for catching up on chores. Use it for activities that genuinely recharge you such as rest, gentle movement, time in nature, reading, therapy or a quiet hobby and avoid checking work emails.

How does Women of Our Time support women with workplace wellbeing?

Women of Our Time offers one to one sessions, workshops, research projects and practical resources that help women understand their needs, set boundaries and build resilience so they can look after their mental health at work.

The Power of Mental Health Days at Work for Women

Women of our Time
Jul 24
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

A person with closed eyes waters flowers sprouting from their head using a green watering can, symbolizing growth. The background is white.

The Power of Mental Health Days: Why Women Need to Prioritise Self-Care at Work:

Permission Granted: Your Mental Health Day is a Power Move

Remember when 'sick days' only counted if you had a fever or a hacking cough? Well, times (and our understanding of well-being) have changed! In today's demanding world, especially for women juggling a million things, a 'mental health day' isn't a luxury or a sign of weakness – it's a strategic necessity.

At Women of Our Time (WOOT), we're all about empowering you to take charge of your well-being, and sometimes, that means taking a deliberate pause.

Why Your Brain Needs a Break (Especially When You're a Woman)

Women often carry a heavier mental load, both at home and in the workplace, from managing schedules to emotional labour. This constant 'on' can lead to overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout (sound familiar?). Ignoring these signals is like running a marathon without water – eventually, you'll collapse. A mental health day is proactive self-care, preventing a crisis rather than just reacting to one.

Stark Fact: A recent UK study revealed that only 31% of employees feel comfortable taking a mental health day, despite 79% believing they are necessary. (CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work, 2023)

Maximising Your Recharge Day: It's Not a Holiday, It's a Strategy

Plan (If You Can): If possible, schedule your mental health day in advance. This reduces guilt and allows you to truly switch off.
Communicate Simply: You don't need to over-explain. "I need to take a personal day today" or "I'm not feeling 100% and need to take a mental health day to recharge" is perfectly sufficient.
Disconnect Fully: Resist the urge to check emails or slack. This day is for you to genuinely decompress.
Do What Recharges YOU: This isn't about running errands. It's about activities that calm your mind and soothe your soul – reading, walking, meditating, a quiet hobby, or even just binge-watching that show.
Don't Feel Guilty: Taking care of your mental well-being makes you a more effective, present, and productive colleague in the long run. It's an investment, not an indulgence.

A Final Thought

Prioritising your mental health isn't selfish; it's essential for your sustained success and happiness. Taking a mental health day is a powerful act of self-advocacy and a clear signal that your well-being matters. Give yourself permission to pause, recharge, and come back stronger – take a mental health day at work.

How We Can Help

At WOOT, we believe in equipping you—the individual—to resolve the problem, challenge, or opportunity in front of you. We’re here to help you make a difference in your own world, starting with what’s within your circle of control.

While our research aims to inform long-term solutions and drive systemic change, we know that changing the system will take time. That’s why we’re focused on creating a movement within each of us—empowering women to take action, build resilience, and thrive right now.

Here’s how you can take the first step:

Book a 1:1 Session: Get personalised advice and support tailored to your specific situation.
Sign Up for a Workshop: Join our heavily discounted workshops on topics like confidence building, leadership, and more.
Join Our Research Project: Share your story and help us shape the future for women in the workplace.
Check out our shop for other resources that might help and our podcasts for other women's stories.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Ready to give yourself the gift of a break? Click here to explore how we can help you.

With peace of mind, The Women of Our Time Team

P.S. If you know a woman who needs a gentle nudge to prioritise her mental well-being, share this post. Let’s lift each other up and create a brighter future together.