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.