Harry Potter is not the first to set our imaginations reeling with how glorious and fun it would be to don an invisibility cloak and go about our day. An “invisible day” doesn’t quite offer that magic but it can help your holiday and every day stress.
The term “mental health day” is a thing of the past. It is now referred to as an “invisible day.” The terminology is not the only change. Along with the common stressors of life one may need a break from, the concept of an “invisible day” includes taking a break from the phone, computer and social media. Go off the grid for 24 hours.
Several recent articles discussed this concept citing the increased stressors we are facing today and how they are changing along with the fast, demanding pace of life. A recent survey reported 84% were stressed because of the holiday season. Seventy-six percent were feeling stress about our nation’s future. Many reported concern about the rapid advancements in technology and AI. The spread of misinformation is reported as a stressor by 69%. Psychologists note the increase stress our cell phone creates – instant information and expectations of answering personal and work texts, emails, requests and phone calls immediately as well as keeping up on latest trends. Mindless scrolling and shopping on line seems benign and thought to be enjoyable by some but is taxing on the brain.
This constant bombardment and pull on your personal resources can result in feeling overwhelmed causing anxiety, sleep difficulties, trouble focusing and other mental health issues.
The concept of an “invisible day” is not new but the term is trending. It is a self care trend intended to help cope with the feelings of stress on your shoulders day in and day out. Its purpose is to completely unplug to reduce the external demands on your mind and body. Step away from your typical routine, responsibilities and interactions as much as possible and act as though you are invisible unless of course there is an emergency.
Taking this time to one’s self is grounding, gives the brain and nervous system a break, resets thoughts and directs focus on creativity and self worth. It can help redefine one’s relationship with devices, screen time and set new boundaries.
Of course some lives do not allow for a 24 hr invisible day. If you can only take 2 hours, start there. Lean on friends and family to help you take care of you. Return the favor — if you can help someone else have that needed time it will be much appreciated.
Psychologists suggest it is those of us who tend to be people-pleasers who need “invisible days” probably more than others. When struggling on a daily basis to say no to others, putting themselves last, people-pleasers rarely practice self-care.
Decide how you want to spend your day with some direction but not a rigid chore. Reduce the noise, spend time in nature, move your body, meditate or whatever soothes your soul.
An invisible day is a gift of compassion to yourself. A reminder to be kind and graceful to ourselves. Our problems and stressors will not disappear during that time away, but it will help you to cope better and accept that you are doing the best you can.
No need to shop on line or in stores, the perfect gift this holiday season is to give yourself, your friends or family the gift of an invisibility cloak. If you are shopping at Hogwarts Castle, stick with the cloak only and avoid all the other adventures, mishaps and creatures Harry Potter encounters. Too much stress.
Take care of yourself and someone else.
Juanita Carnes is a nurse practitioner with 38 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Board of Health in Westfield, Massachusetts.
