Take a Break, Take a Pause - Take Care of Your Mental Health

Losing a coworker last week hit me harder than I expected. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the shock wears off. If you've ever lost someone you work with, you know how suddenly things shift at the office. One day, everything feels normal, and the next, it’s like the ground beneath you shifted. That’s when I started to think more about how fragile life really is. It reminded me that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, no matter how busy or important work gets. I referenced this in a post called "Tomorrow Isn’t Promised" because it’s a truth we often forget until it’s staring us in the face.

Amid all this, I was stuck with a new challenge: teaching my coworkers how to use our Service Now ticketing system properly. Instead of just shooting quick emails or jotting notes on paper or even carrier pigeons, I had to explain the importance of a structured approach. You’d think it’s simple, but it wasn’t. People are used to doing things their way, and getting everyone on the same page can be a real struggle. Add to that random conflicts that pop up, making the whole process even more frustrating. It felt like trying to herd cats some days. I was constantly putting out fires, trying to keep everything moving smoothly while occasionally feeling like I was spinning my wheels.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Then there’s the fact that I was dealing with the aftermath of a chaotic week. When the dust finally settled, I thought I could rest during the weekend. But I didn’t. I kept jumping right back into the chaos. The work didn’t magically slow down, and suddenly I found myself facing an even bigger mental drain. The stress and exhaustion slowly crept in, and I started feeling physically tired too. It’s strange how your mind and body are so linked—if your head feels overwhelmed, your body will feel the effects soon enough. That kind of mental fatigue can start to weaken your immune system, affect your sleep, and make everyday tasks even harder. It’s not just about feeling tired—it's about how it can chip away at your overall health if left unchecked.

That’s when I knew I needed to take a break of some kind. Not just a casual, quick pause, but a real mental health day. I knew I had to give my mind a chance to recharge, to step back from all this constant pressure. So I made that choice for myself, even if some might call it silly or unnecessary. There’s always a risk of being judged when you prioritize your mental health over work; some might see it as unnecessary or unprofessional. But I really don’t care what those people think. I couldn’t keep going like I was without risking burnout or worse. Maybe it sounds selfish, but I understand the importance of doing what’s best for my health and well-being.

Taking that mental health day turned out to be one of the smartest choices I’ve made recently. It gave me a chance to breathe, reflect, and reset. It reminded me how vital it is to take care of ourselves, especially during turbulent times. Sometimes, we get so caught up in trying to keep everything running smoothly that we forget how important it is to pause. To step back, breathe, and focus on what we need in that moment. It’s a lesson I plan to keep close—sometimes, we have to put ourselves first, no matter what others might think. After all, if I don’t look after myself, I won’t have the energy to help others or get through the next tough week.

Resources:

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

Psalms 34:18 about Mental Health

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