How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day

How to Take a Mental Health Day Without Guilt (or a $14 Smoothie)

Let’s be real—sometimes the best thing for your nervous system isn’t another productivity hack, it’s canceling your day like it's a bad date. A proper mental health day isn’t just lying on the couch doom-scrolling with existential dread (though we’ve all been there). It’s about intentional rest. That means giving your brain a break on purpose. Step one? Ditch the guilt. You don’t owe the world your burnout. Step two? Do something that actually nourishes you—think: a walk in nature, a nap, or finally using that magnesium bath you impulse-bought after one too many anxious Instagram reels.

Naturopathically speaking, it’s all about nervous system regulation. Eat a real meal (yes, with protein), drink water that doesn’t come from your cold brew, and maybe try journaling not just about your to-do list. You don’t need to optimize your life during a mental health day—you need to feel like a human. So skip the pressure to become your “best self” and aim for your “slightly more hydrated, less frazzled self.”