We all deserve to take a day to ourselves every once in a while. If you’re feeling less productive, anxious, and stressed out, you might need to take a mental health day.
Just like a sick day when our bodies are under the weather, taking a mental health day allows for a day of rest for our mental well-being.
Here are some ways you can recharge and reset in Portland.
Get some fresh air
Here in the Willamette Valley, temperatures are (usually) mild year-round, which means going for a walk is almost always an option. We recommend a stroll along the Downtown Waterfront Loop or a trip over to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Fully immerse yourself in nature with a hike or enjoy one of the many swimming holes in the area during the warmer months.
Looking for something less strenuous? Grab a book or some close friends and sit outside at a local park. During the summer, pick up some food and have a picnic — we love grabbing takeout and enjoying it at the International Rose Test Garden.
Do something creative
Find something that inspires you or something you haven’t done before to experience creative freedom. Check out a craft class with Assembly PDX, sign up for a writing or poetry workshop with Write Around Portland, or take a pottery class at Morning Ceramics Studio.
Get in a workout
It can be difficult to stay active during the work week, so taking some time to get your body moving can be a great way to utilize your mental health day. If you’re looking to really break a sweat, try out a kickboxing class at Portland City Boxing. Yoga is also a relaxing option — find classes through The People’s Yoga.
Looking for additional information or resources about mental health? The city of Portland has a list of local resources for counseling, support groups, and a crisis response team.
