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February 9, 2016

Call in Well Day

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Thank you to Ricola® Herb & Throat drops for sponsoring this post as part of an ongoing campaign with Socialstars. #swissherbs

Over the past couple years, I’ve been working hard to promote self care – not only for my AnneTheRD clients, but also for myself.

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Owning your own business is awesome and I love what I do, but it also means it’s hard to stop working. A couple years ago I was basically running myself ragged. I had WAY too much on my plate, and after spending client sessions talking about slowing down and being more mindful, I felt like a phony.

I remember one night back in spring of 2013 Matt and I were hanging out at home and I randomly burst into tears. Intense, can hardly breathe, not cute tears. “I’m just so overwhelmed,” I said in between sobs.

The next day, I knew it was time to stop crying and do something about it. I decided to stop teaching once the semester finished out (I taught the Basic Nutrition course at George Washington University in the spring of 2013). I decided to leave my gig as a sports dietitian with an outside organization. I started a waiting list for my own nutrition counseling private practice, and raised my prices. I became more selective about which corporate wellness presentations I accepted. And I started to get better at saying no.

Saying no to opportunities was really hard for me, especially at first. When you’re an entrepreneur, I think there’s this sense that you should take EVERY opportunity that comes your way because you never know if you’ll get another one. There’s also this sense that since you work for yourself, and no one really knows what you’re doing all day, you have to do even more just to prove yourself. But then you keep adding and adding and adding and before you know it, you’re not saving any time for yourself, and you’re doing everything just okay vs. doing a few things really well – and not even enjoying the job you worked so hard to create.

After my meltdown, in addition to removing responsibilities and being much more careful about which opportunities were filling my time, I also started intentionally adding a couple small things that would help me to take better care of myself. One of those things was to start getting a massage once per month. At first, I felt bad about this – how indulgent, right? But then I decided – no, Anne, you’ve worked hard to afford this and you should do something nice for yourself. It’s not only okay – it’s smart to treat yourself well. Another thing I’ve done? Making sure I get to yoga at least once per week, if not twice. As I wrote about in my Why I Love Yoga post, I notice a big difference in my attitude and feelings when I do yoga – it makes me calmer and happier.

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I’ve also started allowing myself to occasionally take random “call in well” days, where I take a morning or afternoon or even a whole day off from work. I took one of these “call in well” afternoons a couple weeks ago – my monthly massage was scheduled at noon, so I worked for the morning then got my massage, treated myself to lunch, and went for a walk/run with a friend. It was simple but awesome, and I’ve realized there’s no reason to feel guilty about taking time for myself. If anything, it makes me better at my job because I’m calmer and more focused when I am working!

For these reasons, I loved it when I saw that this month’s theme for my Ricola post was around their “Call in Well” sweepstakes. Since sick days are few and far between when you employ the soothing powers of Ricola, they want to know how you’d spend a day if you called in well instead of sick. What would you do with the time? Let them know, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win $500 – and the grand prize winner gets a 4 day, 3 night trip for two to Switzerland – the birthplace of Chrüterchraft. How awesome would that be?! You guys know I’m obsessed with Switzerland – home to some of the best, most beautiful hiking ever.

IMG_2858Hiking Rigi Mountain near Lucerne, Switzerland in 2014

Good luck – and have fun!

I’d love to hear your answers over here in the comments section, too – how would you spend your ideal call in well day? Mine would include a hike or swim with Matt, a delicious dinner with family, a massage, a good book read in a hammock in 70 degree and sunny weather, and a long, laughter filled chat with good friends. <3

 

Call in well with Ricola Extra Strength Drops! They combine a unique blend of ten Swiss alpine herbs and natural menthol to provide a soothing and powerful cough relief.

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Connect with Ricola on social media:
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facebook.com/Ricola // Twitter: @RicolaUSA

- anne
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42 comments
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    February 9, 2016 · 3:18PM:
    I call them mental health days! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 9, 2016 · 3:20PM:
      Yes, love that! :)
      Reply
  • Grace February 9, 2016 · 3:48PM:
    I must have a strong immune system because I so rarely get sick. I have over 40 hours of paid sick hours accrued. Instead of calling in fake sick it makes more sense to be honest and just ask to use them as vacation days right?
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 9, 2016 · 3:49PM:
      Sure! Or ask to use them as "mental health" days -- sounds more legit. ;)
      Reply
    • Danie February 10, 2016 · 3:58PM:
      You might already be doing this, but it was common and accepted practice at my old job to use sick days for when you had a doctor appointment or similar stuff. Many people in my office never used their sick leave because they never got sick, so it was acceptable to use these days for stuff that would keep you healthy, like a physical or other medical appointments!
      Reply
  • Nicole February 9, 2016 · 4:46PM:
    I am a licensed mental health professional, working with child and adolescent victims of child maltreatment and child sexual abuse. I refrain from using the term "mental health days," not because I don't believe all individuals could benefit from taking a personal day every once in a while, but because I believe the term "mental health days" can perpetuate the mental health stigma of "going crazy." Further, the individuals I work with are truly struggling with mental illness, I find it difficult to say that I need a "mental health day" when I am mentally healthy. Just my two cents worth. :) Regardless, if I were to treat myself to a "Well Day" (I love this term.) I would wake up naturally, head to the gym, treat myself and my S/O to a late brunch, spend the afternoon reading, getting a massage, and maybe a mani/pedi. I would then spend the evening cooking a nice meal while sipping a glass of wine (or two.) Sounds perfect.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 9, 2016 · 6:22PM:
      Thank you for sharing this, Nicole! Totally understand. Your well day sounds wonderful! :)
      Reply
  • Allison Keskimaki
    February 9, 2016 · 4:54PM:
    My call in well day would certainly include a nice long run (ideally in 50 degree temps with no humidity, but I'm not THAT picky), followed up by a yummy lunch with salmon, sweet potato, asparagus, and a lovely glass of wine. Some reading and relaxation time with my husband would also be included! Ahhh...
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 9, 2016 · 6:18PM:
      I'm totally with you on the 50 degree no humidity run! And the good meal and wine, obviously. :)
      Reply
  • Melissa February 9, 2016 · 5:41PM:
    Working with elementary school kids is often stressful but always enjoyable. Nonetheless, if I had a Call in Well day I would like to start my day with an orange theory fitness class. Then I'd love to get brunch at a favorite downtown restaurant and eat outside in the sun. A manicure and pedicure would be great followed by an afternoon of reading and watching a movie I had been wanting to see. The perfect end to the day would be making dinner with my boyfriend and enjoying time together!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 9, 2016 · 6:17PM:
      Sounds like a fabulous day! :)
      Reply
  • Erin M. February 9, 2016 · 6:08PM:
    I would go for a run, go out for lunch and browse Barnes and Noble with a coffee!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 9, 2016 · 6:17PM:
      That sounds wonderful! :) I love browsing book stores - so calming.
      Reply
  • Sarah February 9, 2016 · 7:29PM:
    I would have a late brunch, get a massage, and go out to dinner. Nothing more relaxing than not having to do the dishes!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 11:13AM:
      So true!!
      Reply
  • ER February 9, 2016 · 8:40PM:
    I would go for a long walk with my fiancé, catch up with friends and spend a long time cooking (with some wine)!
    Reply
  • Mackenzie
    February 9, 2016 · 9:16PM:
    I LOVE that you do this! I think it's so important to take a mental break and take a day for yourself. I would go to a later brunch, go on a comfortable run outside, get a pedicure, and spend the evening binge-watching Netflix with my boyfriend :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 11:13AM:
      Netflix is the best! And good idea on the pedicure... adding that to my ideal well day. :)
      Reply
  • Cara February 9, 2016 · 9:43PM:
    I think I need to institute a well day soon. Mine would definitely include a morning swim with my little brother, breakfast at the best panini cafe in my howntown (with coffee and half and half), walk with my mom, reading and going to bed early!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 11:13AM:
      Love the morning swim with your brother - too cute! :)
      Reply
  • Melissa February 9, 2016 · 10:23PM:
    My call in well day would be taking a rooftop yoga class in the morning, followed by a nice large cappuccino and snack, reading a good book outside in the park with 75 degree weather, eating some fresh seafood for dinner alongside a glass of white wine, and taking a long bath to unwind after.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 11:11AM:
      This sounds wonderful! Love the rooftop yoga :)
      Reply
  • chiara February 9, 2016 · 11:29PM:
    I feel you, Anne. I am in the academia and it is nearly impossible to ever stop, which is bad for creativity and writing. I usually take a day off every week where I wake up a little later than usual, have breakfast, go for a long run, grocery shopping and then cooking. Just simple things, but they help me regenerate and gain some creative strength for the week to come.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 11:11AM:
      I totally agree regarding creativity and writing -- I find the busier I am the harder it is for those things to happen in particular. Glad to hear you are working on self care, too!
      Reply
  • Robyn S February 10, 2016 · 7:54AM:
    I'd sleep in, go for a run and get a massage!
    Reply
  • Cara
    February 10, 2016 · 8:32AM:
    My "well day" would include an early morning run with a friend, and then out for brunch after and just enjoying a warm sunny day! Not this below zero crap we have right now...:(
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 11:10AM:
      Haha totally agree on the weather!
      Reply
  • Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday
    February 10, 2016 · 9:27AM:
    I'm super type-A, but I've been practicing "mental health days" since my early middle school years. My mom would notice if I was particularly on-edge or emotional, call me off school for a day (as long as I didn't have any tests or anything important due), and we would shop and go out to eat and just talk. Now that I'm in college, even weekends can be mental health days, since I usually spend them working. I recognize when I'm super stressed, figure out when I can afford myself a break, and spend the day taking care of me! Usually, I get in a workout, a massage, some slow yoga, shopping, and lots of writing and cooking. It's a bonus if I can spend time with my family or get outside and explore. :) It can still be tough for me to take a day off, but I know it makes me feel better in the end!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 11:10AM:
      This is wonderful - I love that your mom started doing this with you and that you've continued it yourself!
      Reply
  • Jen@bubblyrunner.com
    February 10, 2016 · 11:52AM:
    As a school psychologist working with middle schoolers who have various disabilities, I definitely can use a 'well day' every now and then, yet I feel guilty when I want to. I'm working on that though. However, when my parents are in town I'll take a day or two off and just spend it with my mom--going for a run, going out to lunch, flipping through cookbooks together--and I feel so refreshed the next day. I think my idea well day would involve sleeping in a bit, a nice run, maybe going on a hike with Brandon and our pup, a trip to a winery/lunch, and a massage!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 12:05PM:
      You should never feel guilty about taking care of yourself!
      Reply
  • Amanda F February 10, 2016 · 12:40PM:
    I I would go out to breakfast with my husband, pend the afternoon hiking and then stop for ice cream on the way home. When I got home I would take a nice long bath with a good book and a glass of wine ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 1:57PM:
      Mmmm yes. I like the ice cream addition! :)
      Reply
  • Kendall
    February 10, 2016 · 4:48PM:
    This post is such good timing for me -- I've definitely been feeling overwhelmed and realizing that something has to give. Telling my sister today that I need to bring laundry to her house when I visit her this weekend, because I haven't had time to do a load in three and a half weeks (NYC laundromats... oh, the time sink and the hassle) was a wake up call. Thank goodness for the upcoming three day weekend! My President's Day (aka Well Day) plans consist of 1) spending the day with a dear friend at a Korean spa, and 2) scheduling a personal day from work for sometime in the next few weeks.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2016 · 5:03PM:
      Good for you for taking charge and doing what you need to do! Enjoy the spa and the personal day. :)
      Reply
  • Alicia
    February 10, 2016 · 6:54PM:
    I just finished my MPH, while working full time. Then a family disaster struck. I've been going a million miles a day trying to hold everything together, and I had one of the crying moments that you had - except mine was in the middle of a grocery store parking lot. I made a decision to start letting things go, and today I spent the whole day doing things I love - a short hike (it's COLD), a long shower, and a good book under a fuzzy blanket on the couch with a mug of hot tea and a purring kitty. That's my kind of Call In Well day.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 11, 2016 · 11:10AM:
      I've been there, girl. Hang in there! Good for you for taking the time that you needed to promote self care. Continue to make it a priority -- it will help more than you think!
      Reply
  • Kendra C February 11, 2016 · 8:00AM:
    I love the concept of a 'well-day' instead of a 'sick day'. I feel like as a society we shame the idea of taking care of our wellbeing when it encompasses anything beyond physical health. It's just backwards! My 'well-day' would be spent with my hubby & pup... early morning workout, coffee & breakfast while I read some blogs, and honestly just spending quality time together. Uninterrupted by all of the chaos that is normal-day life!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 11, 2016 · 11:07AM:
      I totally agree - very backwards! Your well day sounds awesome. :)
      Reply
  • Liz February 11, 2016 · 12:51PM:
    My well-day would be spent with some leisurely coffee, a warm breakfast on the deck, and finally getting the massage my boyfriend bought for me (over a year ago... oops! :) )
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 11, 2016 · 12:59PM:
      Oh man -- get that massage! Best thing ever!
      Reply
  • adrianna February 13, 2016 · 9:29PM:
    what a nice mental break, to even conceive this option! i'd start with coffee and morning talk shows, get in an awesome workout, then lay in the sun all afternoon with a book or magazine, maybe throw in a massage, and relax with great tv at night.
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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