On December 12, Genesee took a mental health day.

A mental health day can be proactive (like pressing pause before stress turns into something bigger, taking a break from routine, or just having a day to do things on your own terms). Or perhaps more commonly, mental health days can be reactive, when you need a day to take care of yourself after things feel hard or overwhelming… maybe it’s anxiety or depression from social pressures, a breakup, loss of furry friend, or an unexplained struggle. Either way, the point is the same: mental health counts just as much as physical health.

Genesee’s day was the proactive kind, which we are allotted two per year. Hers included a stop at Starbucks (obviously), going out to eat, getting her nails done, and visiting puppies at the Humane Society (which should be prescribed by doctors for all health concerns and non-concerns because puppies make everything better).

It’s not about skipping school or being lazy. It’s about listening to our bodies and choosing rest, joy, care, and connection on purpose. Besides, learning to care for your mental health early might be one of the most important lessons of all.