How can taking a mental health day improve your Creative Problem Solving?

EVERYONE NEEDS A VACATION Society tells us to continuously work, aim for success, drive and drive more any many of us fall prey to it. I know I have. All of the things mentioned have their place but you must rest your mind and reset because one thing is for certain you can drive yourself into an early grave doing too much "driving".

When you focus on other things you are able to allow your mind to defocus and this can expand the connections you can make. There is a great story about how the Wright brother came up with the idea for solving his interest of making man fly. I particularly remember reading how just flexing a box from a bike part, all the sudden gave him an insight about how to think about the materials they were using.

A mental health day can be a useful avenue to indulge in activities that inspire creativity, such as sketching, writing, or engaging in a hobby that sparks your imagination. These activities can reignite your creative energy and foster fresh perspectives. You could also spend the time feeding on inspirational content, whether it's reading a captivating book, listening to music that stimulates creative thought, or exploring art galleries. Exposing yourself to new ideas and perspectives can fuel your creative problem-solving abilities. Engaging in physical exercise, whether it's a leisurely walk, a yoga session, or a workout can promote a more positive and creative mindset.

Consider, for a moment, the nature of human cognition. Think about what your brain does each day, all day. It's busy. When some, not all, the structure and incoming bits ease up, believe the science has begun to reveal that we are literally open to think - consciously and subconsciously- on other stuff. Connect disconnected stuff, gain perspective, disassemble things, let your thoughts meander. Go on, it might not hurt.

Stepping away from the noise and pressures you'd normally have, having a full day to focus on yourself is brilliant. Think about what brings you joy and do it. It doesn't matter if you're good at painting, dancing, cooking... just go for it and notice the difference you feel about everything else around you.

Sometimes the simple act of stepping away from an environment or situation can help you to look from the outside in. Mental health days offer you that chance to step back and reflect. I've used these days in the past to journal and take notice of what I am feeling happy and satisfied with, what's making me unhappy or uneasy, what I feel I need more of, and review my goals for life. I find this then gives me a boost of energy and motivation with my perspective because I feel a sense of control coming back. Use that energy and create an action plan, it could be simple steps like agreeing to take a daily walk whatever the weather or something bigger like planning the training and self-development you'll do to make work changes.

There's always something in there! In your heart, mind, and your atmosphere. Taking a day to recharge and reconnect will help you realize that almost everything you need is within you.