Yesterday, I woke up at the same time, in the same bed, with the same alarm that I always do. However, nothing felt the same. From the moment I woke up, I felt “off.” I didn’t feel like myself. I knew what it was, but I didn’t want to admit it.

In today’s world, there is such a big stigma around mental health. I think that it is so incredibly important to take a step back and think about how you’re feeling and do what you need to do for yourself. Whether that means taking a day away from social media, having a TV binge-watching day or reading a book, the choices are endless.

It is okay to wake up and not feel okay every once in a while. It is okay to feel “off” every once in a while. There is no reason to feel guilty or bad about that. And sometimes, when that happens, you just need a day off. You need a day away from classes, or work, or friends or anything that is causing you stress.

This, of course, is not something to be used often. This is not something that should be used as an excuse because you don’t feel like going to class or work that day, especially when you have big responsibilities that you need to attend to. If this is something that you feel you need to use often, then there is a possibility that there is a deeper problem.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to not feel guilty when you find yourself needing a day away. I think that we live in a “work, work, work” world and forget that we all need time for ourselves to "not work." It doesn't matter what stage of life you are in; mental health has no age limit.

Sometimes, even when things are going well in life, you still need a day away. Taking that day does not belittle you. It does not make you any less of a strong person. It does not change anything about you.

So, take that day. Take that time. You deserve it.