In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s time to check in with yourself.
With all the pressure to keep pushing through, it’s easy to forget how important it is to pause and care for your mental health. The signs of burnout aren’t always obvious—they can show up quietly in our day-to-day routines. This month, take a moment to reflect and recognize when it’s time to take a break and indulge in a little wellness. Here are 6 signs you might need some mental rest—and simple ways to get back to feeling like yourself.
You feel emotionally drained—even after doing “nothing.”
Your battery isn’t just low, it’s barely hanging on. If you’ve been feeling numb, sensitive, or oddly flat, your nervous system is probably waving a white flag.
→ Try: A self-care night. Think: your comfort show, your coziest hoodie, favourite snacks, and no distractions OR guilt.
You’re more irritable than usual.
Snapping at small things? Getting annoyed over stuff that normally wouldn’t phase you? That emotional edge is a red flag that you’re overloaded.
→ Try: Step away before the next snap—literally. Even a quick 15-minute break can help refresh your mental state. Go for a quick walk, take deep breaths, or do something grounding to reset your mood.
Your motivation is gone—even for things you love.
When even your favourite things feel like a drag, it’s more than just a tired day—it could be a sign of emotional depletion.
→ Try: Reignite your spark gently. Take your time with one small, cozy step: a nostalgic song, a 10-minute creative task, or an old favourite movie.
You feel like crying—but you’re not sure why.
If emotions are bubbling up out of nowhere, it might be your body’s way of releasing what your mind’s been holding in.
→ Try: Let yourself feel it, without judgment. Journaling, voice-noting, or a good cry can all be surprisingly healing.
You’re doom-scrolling, binge-watching, or overworking to avoid your feelings.
Distraction can feel easier than dealing, but it usually leaves you feeling worse.
→ Try: Swap one avoidance habit for something low-effort but nurturing. Try a stretch session, a real conversation, or just sitting in silence mindfully.
You’re constantly thinking, “I just need to make it through this week.”
When you’re always pushing through to the next break, that’s your cue: the break needs to come sooner.
→ Try: Build in micro-breaks now. A 20-minute solo walk, a longer lunch, or a day with no to-dos—even small pauses help more than you think.
