How to Remove the Stress of Taking a Day Off

“If someone is stressed or depressed, adding the guilt of having to lie because they need a day off makes things worse. “There’s an expectation that you’re going to come into work the next day with signs of a cold, or some visible ailment. When sometimes you just need a day off.”

The same is true for those who work inside the home - stay-at-home moms, caregivers, etc. 
 

A friend, a stay-at-home mom, whom after spending an afternoon at lunch and shopping with a friend, on returning home, kept her shopping bags in the trunk of her car. She feared being judged by her mother-in-law who was looking after the children, for spending her day not doing something “productive" like grocery shopping.
 

It’s okay to take a day off without needing visible proof that you needed this day.  The need is evident simply because you raised your hand and said: “I need a day off.” 
 

Can we let that be enough?
 

This is what mental health looks like. Taking care of yourself, head to toe, mind and body when you notice that you need a day to simply unplug. Taking care of yourself is being productive. 
 

These stories are samples of what I hear all the time of people who carry the stress and guilt that’s often associated with taking time to care for one's mental health. 
 

If this is something you struggle with please know that it’s entirely okay to take time for yourself, when you feel the need. And to return, whether it’s to the office or your own home, without “proof" that the time off was warranted. 
 

And if you’re someone who is prone to making sharp or sarcastic comments about those who take time off for whatever reason, can you hold your tongue?

Recipe - Brain Boosting Chocolate Smoothie

If you’ve ever bought a head of cauliflower with the best of intentions only to toss it out later on because life got busy, you’ll love this recipe. 

Chopping cauliflower into little florets and freezing them for later use is a great way to avoid waste. Plus, the frozen cauliflower in this smoothie is a subtle way to boost the nutritional value, change things up from using ice and still make that cruciferous veggie appearance that feels synonymous with a smoothie. 

I used walnut milk in this recipe. If you haven’t tried making it I recommend you give it a go (you can find a nut milk recipe here). Walnuts (and cauliflower) are incredibly nourishing for our brain and nervous health. They support healthy production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, and our adrenals, which play a key role in hormone function and energy levels. Together they offer a beautiful way to support your nervous health.  

Brain Boosting Chocolate Smoothie
serves 1

1 ripe banana

1 1/2 cups walnut milk

2 Tbsp raw cacao powder

1/2 cup frozen cauliflower florets

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 avocado

2 tsp chia seeds

3 Medjool dates

1/2 tsp vanilla

How to:

• Add all ingredients into a high-powered blender. Blend on high until smooth. 
• Sit back and savour how beautifully you've just nourished yourself.