How To *Actually* Feel Better After A Mental Health Day

1. Not bringing a quarter.

Aldi requires a $0.25 deposit for their shopping carts, which you get back when you return it. Forgetting a quarter when you go shopping at Aldi can be inconvenient if you don't have a spare!

2. Not bringing reusable bags.

Aldi typically charges for plastic or paper bags, so bringing your own reusable bags can easily save you some money and the extra hassle!

3. Not exploring the entire store.

Aldi sometimes hides popular or seasonal items in unexpected places throughout their stores, so it's worth checking out all of the aisles, especially if you’re searching for a unique find.

4. Not trying Aldi-exclusive brands.

Aldi's exclusive brands often offer quality at a lower price, so it's worth trying them out. Though, beware of some of the items that Aldi shoppers say aren’t worth it.

Some of the Aldi brand names to look out for include Simply Nature, LiveGfree, Earth Grown, Clancy's, and Specially Selected.

5. Skipping the “Aisle of Shame.”

The “Aisle of Shame” is where Aldi stocks limited-time deals on everything from home goods to seasonal foods. You can truly find the most random things here, but for unbelievably low prices.

Some shoppers have even scored things like kitchen tools, food processors, cutting boards, leggings, pajamas, bike baskets, and more. Skipping this aisle means missing out on some real fun surprises and great bargains!

What Does The Theragun Do?

The Theragun (more specifically, the Prime model) claims to provide a multitude of benefits. According to Therabody, the Theragun Prime can:

• Relieve pain and soreness
• Reduce tightness and tension
• Accelerate recovery
• Improve circulation and flexibility

All great stuff, right? After seeing and reading lots of rave reviews about this beloved percussive therapy tool, I just had to put it to the test.

Can The Theragun Help With Back Pain?

More than anything, I was concerned with two major problems – back pain and muscle soreness – I hoped the Theragun would help with. I attribute a majority of my back pain to a slight bout of scoliosis along with an unfortunate compression fracture I experienced a couple of years ago. These two reasons are likely to have exacerbated my tech neck aches, too. I’m talkin’ stiffness around my entire neck and some chronically achy traps.

Piling on my passion for indoor bouldering only adds to the discomfort: sore forearms, lats, and calves and sharp knots along my shoulder blades. The sport requires that I put my body in all sorts of odd positions, use my muscles to sustain those unnatural stances, and brace for 6-foot falls (albeit safely, on well-padded floors). Needless to say, it all takes a physical toll.

After just a week of use and 5- to 10-minute-long sessions a day, the Theragun Prime has significantly lessened that burden and provided my back and upper body muscles with some super satisfying relief.

Here’s my full review, including what I loved and everything I didn’t.

Day 1

My trial began with lots of sharp pain between my shoulder blades, which I was worried about not being able to reach with the Theragun on my own without someone else to help me. My worries instantly melted away after giving it a go, though – the patented triangular handle design (which claims to help you reach “80% of your body with multiple hand positions”) helped me quickly locate the most painful points in between my shoulder blades. Not only was I able to accurately pinpoint my discomfort, even the lowest of the 5 available speed settings delivered immediate relaxation. I was shocked at just how powerful this tool was!

I felt like a crazy woman in my apartment, groaning alone out of relief, but it felt so good. I also noticed that my back felt warmed after use, which I observed as the improved circulation the Theragun claims to encourage.

Days 2-4

My shoulder blade pain carried on into day 2, along with some insane forearm soreness from bouldering. I took the Theragun to my arms at the lowest speed and found the same instant relief I did with my shoulder blades.

I repeated a routine of running the tool along my shoulder blades, entire back, and arms for days 3 and 4, too. By day 4, I could tell that the most painful points weren’t as sore as they were before I started my Theragun trial.

Day 5

Day 5 was quite the opposite, though. I had attended a concert the night prior, and I think standing hours on hard floors reawakened every stiffness, soreness, and sharp pain I had been experiencing before. I woke up feeling geriatric as ever (I’m freakin’ 25, for crying out loud!) and knew I’d have to try out the Theragun on my screaming lower back and sore calves.

My neck felt extremely tweaked, too, likely from sleeping on it in a less-than-ideal position (tummy sleepers, unite). I went at all of these areas with the Theragun’s wide-set dampener attachment as I had the 4 days before, but turned the tool up to a higher speed. Oh, it felt like heaven! Again, I was surprised by how powerful of a punch the tool provided. It felt like a luxe massage technique, all possible by my hands.

Targeting my body more globally felt really nice at the faster setting, up until I was hitting my neck. The tool had a very heavy vibration that viciously rattled my teeth, ears, and eyes, which honestly distracted me from the relief I was looking for in the neck and traps area.

Days. 6-7

I was met with sore legs from a long bike ride and even more bouldering-induced stiffness on days 6 and 7. I found similar relief to what I experienced the week prior and was able to relax really well after a long, activity-filled weekend. I also tested out the multiple attachments the Theragun Prime came with on my neck and traps, like the thumb and cone toppers, which are sharper-shaped to hit more specific trigger points. I found these more-targeted attachments way more effective than the rounder dampener and ball, which didn't do as great a job at getting into the deep-set knots I deal with.

Theragun Review: The Results!

While I can’t claim my back pain and sore muscles are entirely gone with the help of the Theragun Prime, I can say that they’re noticeably lessened after 7 days of consistent use. I think it’s a very effective way to relieve any pains and aches you may be dealing with, especially if you have tried all other avenues of pain reduction.

It was easy and intuitive to use myself, and I really enjoyed the range of relief I got from the tool, thanks to the customizable attachments and varying speed settings. The only quirk I didn’t quite like was the intensely distracting vibration that occurred in my head when I brought it up to my upper neck and traps.

Theragun Prime

At an original price point of $299 (it’s also HSA and FSA-friendly!), I certainly understand it can be a steep investment for some, but given that the average cost of a massage or chiropractic visit hits around $100 (sometimes more), I believe the Theragun offers comparable relief to those methods.

Plus, you can use it anytime you like, as opposed to having to wait weeks for an appointment. It definitely is not a dependable replacement for more serious structural or muscular issues (which experts can better address), but it’s certainly appropriate for tackling everyday tightness, soreness, knots, and more.

1. Adolescence

In this Netflix show, 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested when a girl at his school winds up dead. But the most shocking part for a lot of viewers? Each episode is done in one shot.

Adolescence stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Erin Doherty.

2. ​The Residence

Coming in at number 2 is The Residence, which is a wacky whodunnit that takes place during a White House state dinner. Viewers are saying it gave them the same thrill as Knives Out, which is a VERY high recommendation in my book.

The Residence stars Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Mary Wiseman.

3. ​Million Dollar Secret

Top Netflix show Million Dollar Secret is a reality competition that brings 12 strangers to a lakeside estate. One of the 12 will receive $1 million upon arrival, and they get to keep it as long as no one discovers who's got the cash.

Million Dollar Secret is hosted by Peter Serafinowicz.

4. ​Harlan Coben's Caught

Harlan Coben's Caught follows Ema Garay, an Argentinian journalist that exposes criminals who get away with their crimes. And her newfound friendship with Leo Mercer gets upended when he becomes the prime suspect in her latest investigation.

Harlan Coben's Caught stars Soledad Villamil, Juan Minujín, and Alberto Ammann.

5. ​Gold & Greed: The Hunt For Fenn's Treasure

This docuseries revolves around a treasure supposedly hidden in the mountains outside of Santa Fe — and the poem that holds the key to their location. And one community of treasure hunters are determined to find the truth.

Gold & Greed: The Hunt For Fenn's Treasure is a top Netflix show right now.

6. ​Survival of the Thickest season 2

Survival of the Thickest season 2 is finally here — and it's already a top Netflix show! Mavis is juggling her life, her styling business, and her new singleness, and she's doing it with the people she loves.

Survival of the Thickest stars Michelle Buteau, Tone Bell, and Christine Horn.

7. ​Chelsea Handler: The Feeling

Chelsea Handler is exploring it all in this Netflix comedy special: unusual encounters, her first adventures in business, and even her own birth.

Chelsea Handler: The Feeling is hosted by Chelsea Handler.

8. ​Temptation Island

Four couples are walking onto an island in this top Netflix show, and a group of singles awaits them. How many couples are going to walk back out? You'll have to watch and see.

The original Temptation Island couples include Alexa and Lino, Shanté and Brion, Tyler and Tayler, and Ashley and Grant.

9. ​Weak Hero

Intelligent Yeon Shi-eun is much more than just a student. And thanks to his mind and his tools, he's able to fight against the violence closing in around him.

Weak Hero stars Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Hong Kyung.

10. Running Point

It's not too late to watch this Netflix show, which follows Isla on her journey as the new President of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team. It's funny! It's heartfelt! It's worth a watch!

Running Point stars Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, and Dane DiLiegro.