I was just telling my boyfriend, “It’s not like I can go anywhere on vacation, and it’s such a bummer to have to come back to work after extended time off. However, having a random day or two off per month always makes me happier. It’s like a little (paid) holiday and I can celebrate it how I want, and that may mean sleeping.”

Perhaps the habit of “pre-planning mental health days” just makes too much sense to deny. Work can plan around my absence, and I get the day off I need. Everybody wins!