Taking a mental health day in San Diego, California

Feeling stressed, burned out, or anxious? Consider taking a day off for your mental health.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Nextdoor
  • Email

Take some time to reflect at Mission Bay.

Photo by Monica Garske

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 San Diego.

Get some fresh air

Take advantage of the weather and go for a walk. We recommend a stroll along the water at Mission Bay Park or around the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge . Fully immerse yourself in nature with a hike or enjoy one of the many lakes or beaches in the area.

Looking for something less strenuous? Grab a book or some close friends and sit outside at one of the local parks. Alternatively, pick up some food and have a picnic — we love grabbing takeout and enjoying it on a blanket at Old Town Plaza .

Do something creative

Find something that inspires you or something you haven’t done before to experience creative freedom. Check out craft classes at the San Diego Craft Collective , sign up for a writing or poetry workshop at San Diego Writers, Ink , or take a pottery class at Ceramic Heights .

Get in a workout

It can be difficult to fit in active time 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 The Arena . Yoga is also a relaxing option — find free virtual classes through Yoga in the City .

Looking for additional information or resources about mental health? The county has a list of local resources for counseling, support groups, and a crisis response team.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Nextdoor
  • Email