It’s not at all uncommon to burn yourself out by working too hard. When work and school get overwhelming, it can get difficult to be able to stay calm and resist stressing too much. I know that I am no exception – but getting overwhelmed by tests, quizzes, homework, and projects can be counterproductive and detrimental to your mental health and levels of motivation.

This is where Mental Health Days come in.

Once a quarter, I allow myself a day where I skip classes and do something that I want to do. Whether that be lying in bed all day, going for a drive, or sitting at a coffee shop catching up on a good book, allowing myself this day has helped so much with the stress that can become overwhelming. Unfortunately, the stigma around mental health these days make it hard for days like these to be justifiable in the eyes of a school or company. This only makes these days more important. Here are 5 reasons mental health days are absolutely necessary:

1. Getting fresh air and sun can stimulate innovation.

Sitting in an office or classroom for eight hours a day is tedious. After too long, though, is can become counterproductive to our ability to come up with new ideas and ways of thinking. The extra fresh air helps to refresh your mind and get you in the mindset for creative thinking and innovation.

2. It can have a positive effect on your relationships.

If you’re always stressed about work or school, you are going to be noticeably more quick-tempered and disgruntled, which can be difficult on a relationship. By taking a break to do something that you love, you can come back with a new attitude and a fresh perspective. No more anxiousness or frustration!

3. It can help with focus

When you’re in dire need of a break, you’ll notice yourself getting less and less focused on your work. It’s a common sign of overworking. Giving yourself a break to get fresh air and have fun can be seriously effective when it comes to your attention span. This makes you a better student or employee, and it makes you a lot happier!

4. It boosts your mood and levels of happiness

Working in an enclosed space for too long can cause your mood to plummet. This is how you know you need a mental health day! Making sure you balance your work with doing things that make you feel good is the ultimate cure to unhappiness in the workplace. (Given this, if you are feeling something that is more serious than the typical “down in the dumps,” it may be time to see a doctor. Your mental health is priority #1!)

5. You deserve to be happy!

Above all, nobody deserves to feel down, moody, or anxious because they are being overworked. You deserve to take breaks and place your own mental health above anything else. Even if it means taking the day to do chores and cross things off your to-do list, using the day to do what you need to do is the best use of your time.

You deserve to be able to do your best work and be happy. Allow yourself that!