Do you know when you need a mental break?
Working from home is something I didn’t think I would need a break from.
I figured I could be home with my kids and get paid. My attendance should be perfect. What reason would I need to call out? That was unrealistic when there is a whole pandemic going on. Nonstop corona virus updates, kids being homeschooled, and a toddler that thinks mommy is home to play. For a while, it didn’t affect me too much, I told myself I know Jesus! Nothing is too hard for my God! But the virus itself isn’t what started to bother me. It was constant tragic news! I literally started taking on the emotions of others and carrying it. Going to sleep with it and waking up with it without really realizing it. Yesterday halfway through my unproductive workday, I told my boss that I would be clocking out for the rest of the day. Informed my team, I was taking a mental health day and clocked out. Tears started to fall out of nowhere. This isn’t the first time this has happened to me.
Taking on the emotions of those around me and connected to me.
In the past, I didn’t know how to deal with it, it would put me in this dark place. But yesterday, I felt my spirit yearning to worship! Not to lay down and just feel the heaviness and do nothing about it. I felt like my mind was cluttered, so I wanted to clean as well. I blasted my gospel music as loud as I could and started cleaning. Now I see why my family used to blast music on Saturdays and get us up to start cleaning. That tradition was so therapeutic. Something I got out of the habit of doing because of how busy my life can be. On Saturday’s if I’m not in a meeting, taking the boys to practice, catching up with my girls, I’m trying to sleep in. Although this wasn’t a Saturday, it was a Friday in the middle of the day, with the oldest doing his school assignments, my youngest running around. My husband resting, I let my heart sing to Jesus! Off tune, crackling voice, I belted out praise and worship for 6 hours. Praying in between and cleaning. 6 hours went by so fast, and I got so much done. My toddler ended up taking what seemed like the longest nap ever and my oldest didn’t need help with school work. Jesus created that moment just for me. I felt light afterward and decluttered. A spontaneous mental health day was necessary.
Although I’m sure God was pleased with my praise and worship, I needed to worship more than He needed to be worshipped!
If you’re anything like me, I encourage you during this pandemic to take a mental health break when needed. Self-care is loving yourself and being in tune with what your spirit needs. Take breaks from your messages and social media. Stay in the Bible, pray, praise, and worship! Let God fill you up in the areas that you may be running dry so that you can pour from overflow.