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

Chloe Williams​
May 01, 2023
doing colorful art during a mental health day

More times than we can count, we've gotten to the end of a mental health day or a day off work and felt more stressed than we were at the beginning. This is because we spent the entire day doing chores or way too much time scrolling through TikTok.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month throughout May, we wanted to help brainstorm ideas for any upcoming days off. That way, you can spend them in a way that will actually leave you feeling better than before. We broke down the ideas into three categories depending on the kind of rest you need most.

  • Physical Rest: If you're worn down and just need to give your body a break, you might just need some physical rest to give your body time to recover.
  • Mental Rest: This kind of rest can mean multiple things. You can take part in activities that require no brain power whatsoever or activities that just require a part of the brain you don't use at work.
  • Social Rest: If you're an introvert, or you just feel overwhelmed by people, find some activities you enjoy that you can do alone.
What counts as rest will be different for every person and season of life. The kind of rest you need might even change! Do your utmost to spend the day in an enjoyable way instead of doing chores or things that you *have* to do, but if you absolutely must get stuff done, brainstorm an easier way to do them. Can you order groceries instead of going to the store? Add a laundry service to your budget so you don't have to spend the time doing it yourself?
Before your mental health day, make a list of ideas for spending your time and what boundaries you've set in place. If you like structure, you can create a fun and cute itinerary, or you can just add a bunch of ideas to pick from in the moment. Keep reading for some fun ideas.

Physical Rest

Image via Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Take A Bubble Bath

We will recommend bubble baths forever and ever. They're so relaxing and are the perfect thing for any spa day. Use up a bath bomb with your favorite scents, or add in some Epsom salts to help alleviate any aches you might have around your body.

Our favorite thing to do when we take a bath is to set up our favorite movie or feel-good show, make a snack, and grab some affordable wine. Talk about pampering! We always feel way more relaxed after a bubble bath.

Sit Outside And Read

If you don't want to sit inside for the entirety of your mental health day, sit outside with a new book. That way, you don't have to leave the neighborhood if you still want to stay home for the afternoon, but you'll also be able to get some fresh air.

Binge Watch Your Favorite Show

If you are absolutely exhausted and really do need to just lay down all day, we totally understand. It's nothing to feel guilty about — it's important to listen to your body! Make yourself a delicious lemonade or some homemade salsa, wrap up in a blanket, and curl up in front of a show or a movie that you haven't had time to watch in the last few weeks. Some days you just need to veg.

Mental Rest

Image via Anna Shvets/Pexels

Do Your Entire Beauty Routine

While a skin-care routine doesn't have to take you a full hour, it can be fun to spend the time getting every single detail right and really pampering yourself. Spend time overlining your lips, perfecting your siren eyes, and getting your foundation (or tinted moisturizer) looking just right — even if you're not leaving the house! It'll let you use your hands but is definitely something you can do without a lot of thought.

Make The Perfect Latte

Espresso, oat milk, and syrups come together to create coffee drinks we will never get enough of. If you enjoy the process of making drinks, spend the time creating an Apple Crisp Macchiato or Iced Vietnamese Coffee, even if it takes you longer to make than to drink it. Or you can go out for coffee if there's a cafe that you never have the time to visit — you might get to see some familiar faces, too!

Do A Craft

If you work a job that requires analytical skills (or you just like doing creative DIYs), then making something with your hands and the creative side of your brain will give the rest of your brain a break. Put on your favorite Meg Ryan movieor our Coastal Grandmother Spotify playlist!

Social Rest

Image via Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels

Journal

Break out your newest gratitude journal and check out some of our journal prompts for growth and creativity to figure out how you're feeling or just get some of your thoughts out on paper. You can share with other people once your social battery recharges, or keep them to yourself.

Make A Delicious Meal

Make a yummy meal for one if you enjoy cooking, and it relaxes you. It can be something fancy like a date-night meal with multiple courses, setting up an afternoon tea, or Nutella Brownies that allow you to spend time mixing, stirring, and (most importantly) taste testing.

Do Things You Enjoy, But Do Them Alone

We highly recommend doing your favorite activities — whether it is walking around the park, going out to eat, or shopping — stag. You don't need to rely on anyone else to have a great time, and this is a great way to enjoy your day without zapping your social battery.

How are you going to spend your next mental health day? Let us know in the comments and check out our Pinterest and newsletter for more self-care inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Featured image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels.

This post has been updated.

5 Shopping Mistakes To Avoid At Aldi

Aldiis obviously beloved for itsbudget-friendly grocery finds, but even the most seasoned Aldi fans can fail to make the most of their shopping trips there. The grocer is packed with hidden gems and major savings, and you may not realize a few simple missteps can keep you from getting the most bang for your buck. Before your next grocery run, make sure you're not making these common Aldi shopping mistakes!

Below, see the top 5 mistakes to avoid making when you shop at Aldi.

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

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!

Thirdman / PEXELS

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!

Aldi

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.

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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.

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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!

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Matcha Lovers, Beware: A "Global Matcha Shortage” Is On The Way

Leaders in the matcha industry are predicting a matcha shortage this spring. Sparked by a huge surge in demand, it’s possible that your go-to drink could be affected.

Here’s everything you need to know about this season’s matcha shortage.

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

Per The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha powder put an “unprecedented strain” on the tea industry last year, and the same effect is predicted to take place in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan saw a 185% increase in matcha production from 2010 to 2023 in order to keep up with demand from cafes and home baristas around the world, The Japan Timesreports.

Cup of Couple / PEXELS

Seeing that over half of Japan’s matcha is exported internationally, matcha lovers are looking toward the country for their green tea fix. Search interest for matcha has nearly quadrupled over the past 5 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

This year, mostly organic matcha strains will be affected by the shortage, though lower-grade varieties could face the same issues if consumers begin reaching for them in favor of organic offerings. While top-tier, organic strains like ceremonial-grade matcha are known for being sweeter and smoother, the lower-grade kinds like culinary-grade matcha are noticeably more bitter and don't have the same vibrant color.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

Matcha can only be harvested in the springtime, so though a shortage may be happening now, there’s hope for increased supply in the near future. This year’s harvest will start in April.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Even though production will ramp up, Jason Eng of Kametani Tea in Japan, a company that produces matcha for beverage companies around the world, says: “This year will be an interesting one. We haven’t hit a point yet where we’re going to run out, but it’s going to be really tight this autumn – not just for us but for everybody. The demand is off the charts.”

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The Theragun Is The Best At-Home Treatment For Back Pain I’ve Ever Tried

I’ve done everything in my power to try to alleviate my back pain — stretching, self-massaging, hot baths, self-cracking my bones (don’t come for me), yoga — but nothing has truly given me the relief I've been looking for more than the Theragun.

And it’s not just my back pain that irks me. It's symptoms of tech neck from working long days at my desk (or, more often than not, my couch), muscle soreness from indoor bouldering 3-4 times a week, and honestly, the movement everyday life requires, like walking my dog and taking care of household chores that mandate multiple trips up and down three flights of stairs in my old sans-elevator apartment building.

What Does The Theragun Do?

Meredith Holser

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?

Meredith Holser

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

Meredith Holser

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

Meredith Holser

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

Meredith Holser

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

Meredith Holser

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!

Meredith Holser

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.

Therabody

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.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Everything You Need To Know About The '1923' Season Finale After THAT Death

We're over halfway through 1923 season 2 and there is so much to talk about — like Cara getting attacked by a wolf in the middle of the night, Spencer getting roped into a plot to uncover a whiskey operation, and Alexandra getting stalked and attacked multiple times in her journey. Wow. There's one more episode before the 1923 finale on April 6, 2025.

Here's everything you need to know about how and when to watch the 1923 season 2 finale, airing on Paramount+ April 6, 2025.

Where can I watch the 1923 finale?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The 1923 season finale will air on April 6, 2025 on Paramount+. New episodes of 1923 season 2 air on Paramount+ Sunday at 12 AM EST, which means if you live on the west coast, you get new episodes on Saturday nights!

How many episodes of 1923 are there?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

1923 season 2 premiered on February 23, 2025, and it's going to have 7 episodes total:

  • Season 2, Episode 1 "The Killing Season" premiered February 23, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 2 "The Rapist Is Winter" premiered March 2, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 3 "Wrap Thee in Terror" premiered March 9, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 4 "Journey the Rivers of Iron" premiered March 16, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 5 "Only Gunshots to Guide Us" premiered March 23, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 6 "The Mountain Teeth of Monsters" premiered March 30, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 7 "A Dream and a Memory" premieres April 6, 2025

Who's in the 1923 season 2 cast?

Christopher Saunders/Paramount+

There's a good chance you're familiar with Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, but the whole 1923 cast in incredible!

  • Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton: Dutton patriarch and a protector of the Yellowstone ranch.
  • Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton: a hardworking and kind woman who's Jacob's wife.
  • Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton: Jacob and Cara's nephew who's making his way back to the ranch.
  • Julia Schlaepfer as Alex Dutton: Spencer's new wife, and a spunky and resourceful woman making her way to America on her own from England.
  • Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Dutton: a kind yet determined young woman who's married to Jack.
  • Darren Mann as Jack Dutton: Jacob and Cara's great-nephew who lives with them on the Yellowstone ranch.
  • Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater: an Indigenous young woman who's on the run after escaping a Catholic assimilation school.
  • Jennifer Carpenter as Marshal Mamie Fossett: a U.S. Marshal who crosses paths with Spencer on his journey.
  • Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton: one of Jacob's sworn enemies dead set on taking the Duttons down.
  • Timothy Dalton as Donald Whitfield: a snaky businessman who has Jacob and the Duttons under his thumb.
  • Isabel May as Elsa Dutton: Spencer's sister from 1883 who serves as narrator.

What happened to Jack Dutton in 1923?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

To everyone's shock, Jack Dutton died in 1923 season 2, episode 6, "The Mountain Teeth of Monsters." While Jacob and a couple men set off to meet Spencer at the train station, Jack was instructed to stay at the Yellowstone ranch to defend the house, as well as Cara and Elizabeth.

But when he chose to leave anyway, Jack was met with two of Whitfield's men, who shot and killed him. Actor Darren Mann admitted the death made him "angry, sad and frustrated," telling People that "There must've been four or five people who went down just right there in that one episode. Death everywhere."

Where did 1923 season 2 film?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

1923 season 2 filmed around Texas in 2024, and began filming in Austin on July 17 according to My San Antonio. Filming locations also included Lockhart and Bartlett, Texas.

How does 1923 connect to Yellowstone?

Lauren Smith/Paramount+

1923 is a Yellowstone prequel series from creator Taylor Sheridan (so is 1883!). The Duttons we see in 1923 are the ancestors of John Dutton III, Beth Dutton, Jamie Dutton, and Kayce Dutton.

Check Brit + Co for the latest TV news and subscribe to see our new podcast Yap City ahead of the 1923 season finale — you won't want to miss our 1923 season 2 ending explainer!

This post has been updated.

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Everyone's Convinced 'The White Lotus' Told Us The Killer In The Very First Episode

We're only one week away from The White Lotus finale — and finally answering the biggest question of all: who dies in The White Lotus season 3? Here's your official reminder that Mike White never passes up the opportunity for a death to be accidental & ironic (not to mention the character's fault), meaning we probably don't need to be looking for a murderer. And there's one White Lotus theory that suggests the killer's been in front of our faces the whole time: the poisonous pong pong fruit.

Here's a truly genius White Lotus theory about the season 3 finale, Saxon, and that poisonous fruit.

'The White Lotus' season 3 death will probably be another egomaniacal accident.

Theories are running rampant around who dies in The White Lotus season 3 finale — and who's responsible. But @popcultureari points out that, "In previous seasons we've seen how Mike White builds a ridiculous amount of tension between all the characters only to have the loose ends tied up with some ironic twist. And the main deaths aren't about killers lurking in the shadows, they're about people tripping over their own egos."

Remember when Tanya tripped in her heels, hit her head, and then drowned? "So in season 3, the body won't be from some shocking murder, it'll be from another self sabotage masterpiece," she continues. And the leading suspect? That poisonous fruit introduced in the first episode.

And it could cost the Ratliff family Saxon, Harper, and Lochlan.

More than one fan is wondering whether Jason Isaac's Timothy Ratliff will make a smoothie with the poisonous fruit to end his own life (since he doesn't have the gun anymore), and someone else will accidentally drink it. "There's a reason why they specifically mentioned the poison fruit so early on," one user says in the comments, while another points out how the camera always zooms into the blender.

But the most devastating take on this theory to me? That "I also do believe there will be 3 deaths because Chelsea keeps bringing up that bad things happen in 3s," another comment says. "3 siblings, 3 Russians, 3 friends."

More comments applaud @popcultureari for coming up with "such a good theory," but if Timothy makes the smoothie in The White Lotus season 3 finale, and then all three kids somehow end up dead, y'all will need to check on me!

What do you think about this White Lotus theory? Are you excited for the finale? Read up on The Most "Batsh—t" Yellowjackets Theory: "Everything Came Together" before the finale airs.

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