Hello and welcome to the Midlife Made Easier blog, where we help midlife women embrace this beautiful chapter, rediscover their voice, prioritize their healing, and create a life they truly love. I’m so glad you’re here.

At least once every three months, more often if I need it, I schedule a mental health day. It’s a day just for me. A day to relax in silence, write without judgment, take restorative naps, eat nourishing food, and ease my mind with calm and quiet. No meetings. No obligations. No noise. Just space to breathe.

I’m someone who feels deeply. My emotions can be intense, and sometimes, they get the better of me. I work a full-time job, I’m building a soul-uplifting business that energizes me, and I’m constantly nurturing relationships with my children, family, and friends. I pour a lot out, and that’s why it’s so important that I pour back in.

Sometimes, I just need to unplug.  And I’ve taught my children to do the same.

My son Matt, a middle school teacher, never minces words when it comes to protecting his emotional health. He’s learned the value of pressing pause and tending to his inner world. That makes me proud.

We’ve come a long way as a society when it comes to talking about mental health. There’s more openness now, less stigma. But we still have room to grow, especially when it comes to taking action on what we know.

Mental Health vs. Emotional Health: What’s the Difference?

While we often use these terms interchangeably, there are subtle but significant differences:

• Mental health refers to our cognitive well-being, how we process information, make decisions, and manage stress. It involves our thoughts, patterns, and mental resilience.
  
• Emotional health focuses on our ability to express and regulate feelings, such as anger, sadness, joy, and fear. It’s about acknowledging emotions without being overwhelmed by them.
  

Together, they make up our whole self. And to heal holistically, we need to address both. It’s not just about eating well or exercising, though those matter, too. True wellness encompasses how we think, how we feel, and how we respond to life’s challenges.

What Does a Mental Health Day Look Like?

A mental health day is unique to each person, but here’s what mine often includes:

• Stillness – I start the day slowly. No alarms. Just breathing. No technology.
• Journaling – Writing helps me release thoughts and emotions that have been crowding my mind.
  
• Rest – I give myself permission to nap or simply do nothing.
  
• Good Food – I nourish my body with something homemade and comforting.
  
• Nature or Silence – I go for a walk or sit quietly outside to reconnect with myself.
  
• Zero Guilt – Most importantly, I don’t feel bad about any of it. This day is medicine.
  

This ritual has become essential. It resets me. It reminds me that I am allowed to pause, even when life is busy, especially when it is.

Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re in the thick of raising a family, navigating a demanding career, or simply feeling stretched thin, you deserve a day to refill your cup.

Hey, could you do me a favor and share this post with someone you love? Let us know in the comments your best tip for managing your mental and emotional health.

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Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace & Love,
Renee

Resources for Your Midlife Journey:

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