Tips for being productive on a bad Mental Health Day.

Oh no. It’s another one of those days when you can’t bring yourself to get out of bed and go around doing ‘normal-people’ things, despite being in the pink of physical health. Oof. That’s okay, though. We can get through this together. 1. Go outside Going out into the sun not only gives you your daily dose of vitamin D, but also boosts your body’s serotonin levels and can serve as a great pick-me-up if that’s what you need! Going for a thirty-minute walk can also help give you that endorphin high that leaves you giddy and lightheaded. Bonus challenge: Go outside with the aim of petting every passing dog you see outside. If you have one, take it along! On returning from outside, you’ll not only have better concentration but also feel so much more refreshed and relaxed. This greatly helps counter stress that might accompany your OCD, and can help you get some work done when you’re not feeling your best. 2. Set small goals and work towards them I know, I know. Easier said than done. But it doesn’t hurt to try. Set small goals such as getting out of bed at a reasonable hour, taking a shower and making yourself a nutritious breakfast. They might seem small, but these goals are a start. Step by step, you’ll get to things like completing some work-related task, if that’s your aim. But remember, you are the utmost priority. Focus on taking care of yourself and improving your current mental state, and productivity will follow. 3. Take breaks Go easy on yourself. Allow yourself some breaks. If you feel like sitting at a task is getting nowhere, it’s probably true. That’s when you take a break. Even a small one goes a long way. Come back after, and everything might seem obvious and easy. 4. Be creative Doing repetitive tasks can be counter-productive because you’re not actively doing much. Instead, choose a creative task to take on to engage your mind elsewhere. 5. Allow yourself to be comfortable Yes, you can sit in your pajamas all day. Yes, you can take things easy. No, you needn’t worry about your workload. It’s not going anywhere. It can wait for you to get better. So, take your time. 6. Cut yourself some slack Please, cut yourself some slack. It's okay to not be at the height of productivity every day. There will always be down days but it's up to you to either accept and work around ‘em or get worked up about them. A can-do attitude goes a long way. But sometimes accepting that you can't is just as important.