Can It Be Acceptable to Take a Mental Health Break from School Attendance?
Taking a Mental Health Day as an IB Student: A Guide
Managing the intense workload of an International Baccalaureate (IB) programme can be challenging, and it's essential to prioritise mental health. A mental health day can provide much-needed relief, helping IB students reduce anxiety and stress levels. Here's a guide on how to effectively take a mental health day.
Planning the Mental Health Day
Choosing the right day is crucial. Opt for a day without critical deadlines or exams to avoid added stress. If possible, inform teachers or counselors in advance so they understand your absence. Prepare to fully disconnect from IB work by setting your phone/email to minimize notifications. Ensure you have a restful environment ready to support relaxation and recovery.
Activities During the Mental Health Day
Prioritise downtime and restful activities like light exercise (walking, yoga), journaling, or meditation to reduce stress. Engage in hobbies that bring joy or relaxation, such as reading for pleasure, listening to music, or creative pursuits. Practice self-care routines including adequate sleep, healthy meals, and hydration. Avoid multitasking or doing any IB-related schoolwork to give your mind a genuine break.
Returning to School
Start by listing tasks by importance to regain focus without overwhelm. Break large tasks into small, manageable chunks to build momentum and reduce anxiety. Incorporate balanced work and break schedules daily to maintain mental wellness. Reach out to school well-being teams or counselors if stress or anxiety continue after your mental health day. Keep a calm mindset focusing on effort and resilience rather than perfection.
Taking one or two mental health days per term is reasonable, as long as you're also building healthy routines to reduce stress long-term. Regular journaling can help IB students cope with stress, and maintaining balance can prevent burnout. Activities like light exercise, journaling, social time with friends, or meditation can rejuvenate IB students during a mental health day.
Mental health days can prevent burnout before deadlines pile up for IB students. If resistance arises when requesting a mental health day, explaining your feelings and referring to guides like "Mental Health During the IB" can help. A mental health day can improve motivation and focus when IB students return to school. RevisionDojo's structured routines, quick quizzes, and journaling tools can help IB students reconnect with their workload without stress after a mental health day.
Remember, taking a mental health day is a responsible action that can help IB students manage their workload effectively and maintain their mental health. Always notify your school or parents in advance when possible.
[1] RevisionDojo (2021). "10 Proven Study Techniques for IB Students". [Online] Available at: https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/10-proven-study-techniques-for-ib-students [2] RevisionDojo (2021). "Frequently Asked Questions". [Online] Available at: https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/ib-faq [3] RevisionDojo (2021). "Strategies for Exam Anxiety". [Online] Available at: https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/strategies-for-exam-anxiety [4] RevisionDojo (2021). "Can Journaling Help Me Cope with IB Stress?". [Online] Available at: https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/can-journaling-help-me-cope-with-ib-stress [5] RevisionDojo (2021). "Avoid Burnout in Year 2 of IB". [Online] Available at: https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/avoid-burnout-in-year-2-of-ib
[1] To further support mental health during the International Baccalaureate (IB) journey, students are encouraged to explore resources such as flashcards for memorization, science tutorials for a better understanding of subjects, and materials on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health from platforms like education-and-self-development websites designed for IB students like RevisionDojo.
[2] Incorporating learning tools, like flashcards for quick revision, and educational videos on various subjects can make studying more interactive and engaging for IB students. Such resources can contribute to better academic performance, helping reduce stress levels and promoting personal growth.
[3] To foster a well-rounded lifestyle, IB students are advised to explore hobbies and activities in areas like science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and personal-growth. These pursuits can not only provide a refreshing break from academic work but also help develop holistic abilities essential for future success.
