Feeling Guilty for Taking care of oneself in a pandemic world

Anonymous

September 29,2021 at 1:21PM UTC

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Feeling Guilty for Taking care of oneself in a pandemic world

When you feel worn down do you take a day off? Do you wait until that exhaustion manifests into sickness?

Ive always been a company girl. I rarely take time off and when I do, the reason is usually extreme. In these covid times, my colleagues have become so aggressive. The stress of living in a pandemic world is so high. It’s getting harder and harder to rebound each day. Can anyone else relate?

i feel like I need some mental health days but my mind says I should be strong and muscle thru. And I don’t know if a mental health day would solve it. Thoughts?

What’s your mentality around taking care of yourself? When do you take time off? What, if any, info do your provide to your employer?

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Diana Marie LunaSeptember 29,2021 at 1:35PM UTC
Taking a mental health day is showing that you are strong. It is showing that your strength goes beyond for you to acknowledge you need time for self-care and recharge. Check with HR the leave policies and communicate the importance of taking a conscious break.
Just remember, when you get your mental health day, this day is for you. Focus con your needs and disconnect from everything else.
Shanna WilliamsSeptember 29,2021 at 2:36PM UTC
This! I tell my team, I don’t need a reason from you when you request to take your earned PTO.
Kimberly JohnsonSeptember 29,2021 at 3:31PM UTC
My last few companies were run by younger leadership who understood the value of downtime and time away from work. My last CEO actually confided that he and his exec get ? with folks that don't take PTO. They felt that the person. Was probably under performing and not mentally fit
AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 3:39PM UTC
PTO is one of the kindest & healthiest you can do yourself.
Especially now and I agree it is very stressful for everyone.
AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 4:22PM UTC
I take Mental Health days. If I have the time off available its for me to use when I feel I need it. Mental Health is just as important as physical health. You can't perform as well in your job if you aren't mentally well same as if you aren't physically well.
My office is pretty laid back when it comes to PTO we only have to get ours approved by our supervisor (Provost of the Uni) if we take more than two days off in a row. Otherwise I just have to let those in my office know and I just say I need the day off I'm not feeling well and if I have student appointments I make sure to let them know so they can call them.
AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 3:30AM UTC
Why don't you prioritize yourself and your health? I think it's my top priority. Nothing is more important.