As dancers and athletes, it is normal to assume that pushing through hard days. Injuries, busy schedules, and bad days happen, and taking a break feels like a lack of perseverance. What will people think? This mindset is easy to fall into, but it’s also harmful. Bodies need time to rest and recover, and so do minds. Mental health days are a must for anyone, including busy, driven dancers.
Why Take a Mental Health Day
Mental health days are important. Taking them regularly, and especially when you feel overwhelmed, can help prevent injuries and burnout. Listening to yourself is not proof that you refuse to push through.
Prevent Injury
When you are constantly on the move, dancing and running from place to place to hang out with friends, go to school, and enjoy your hobbies, it’s easier to get injured. This isn’t because you’re out in the world. Overdoing it and pushing your body to the limits leaves us open to mistakes on and off the dance floor. Taking a mental health day (or at least prioritizing your cooldown routine) lets your body recover from all your hard work.
Avoid Burnout
A packed schedule that takes you from competitions to choreography in minutes can quickly lead to burnout. As much love as you have for dance, if you notice that you’re dragging through each day, taking a step away from the studio might be necessary. Spend time with family and friends and do things that make you happy outside of dance. This physical and mental refresh will let you return to the dance floor ready to move!
Listen to Yourself
Physical exhaustion is easier to notice than mental exhaustion. Some signs to look for include feeling anxious, getting overwhelmed easily, and generally feeling stressed. If you notice any of these things, pay attention. It could be time to take a mental health day.
How to Take a Mental Health Day
A mental health day is not a sign of quitting or giving up. It is, simply, a day! Just like you might take a day off to recover from illness, a headache, or an emergency, a mental health day is time to let your mind recover and reorganize so you can jump back into the things you love.
Recognize When a Break is Necessary
Recognize when you need one- the first and most important step is recognizing when you need to take a break. There is no shame in needing to take care of your mental health. It is just as important as your physical health. So if you notice yourself feeling drained or like you don’t really want to dance, recognize those feelings and acknowledge how you can fix them.
Self Care
Mental health days are about you! It is your mental health day. Do things that make you feel good. Self-care activities like using a face mask or taking a bath are small rituals that can relax your mind and body. The goal is to unwind, so don’t turn your mental health day into a catch-up day.
Don’t Feel Guilty
There is no shame in needing a break. Mental health days are normal and something everyone needs. The most important thing is taking the time to help yourself feel your best.
