How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day
You’ve Finally Taken a Day For Yourself, Now What?
Feeling at the brink of burn out? Fatigue? Anxiety? Difficulty waking up? If so, a mental health day (or two) can help re-set your system and help you get back to the things you love (and don’t) with improved motivation, clarity, and strength.
If you are able, start the day off with self abhyangha. Self-abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic self-massage using warm oil to nourish the body, calm the nervous system, and support overall health. It’s a slow, intentional practice where you apply warm, herbal or natural oil from head to toe in rhythmic, nurturing strokes. The goal is not deep tissue work—it’s grounding, soothing, and reconnecting with your body.
It is easy to look up clear instructions on youtube, or you can follow the instructions below:
Warm the oil: Use a small jar and place it in warm water. Sesame is warming and can be helpful if feeling depleted; coconut can help cool the body; almond oil is light and gentle.
Start at the scalp
Massage the oil into the scalp and ears if you have time (optional but deeply grounding).Long strokes on the limbs
Quick long strokes along the upper and lower arms, as well as upper and lower legs. I usually do five long strokes with the warm oil moving in the direction of the hair follicles.
Circular strokes on the joints
Gentle circles around shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. I also complete 5 circles around each joint just to keep things consistent.Slow circles on the belly
Move clockwise to support digestion.Take your time
Move slowly, with presence—this is part of the therapy.Let the oil sit 10–20 minutes
This allows it to penetrate and nourish the tissues (dhatus).
After this practice, a long soothing bath can help not only relieve fatigue from the body, but improve circulation, digestion, help clear toxins and leave you feeling grounded, refreshed and moisturized. This practice is deeply resetting.
Then, simply try to enjoy the rest of your day. Eat warm, nutritious meals. If you are able to cook them, even better. Try to keep your biggest meal to lunch time. Make sure you eat your meal with prescence in a seated position. It is best to eat without distraction. There is plenty of time for distractions before and after. Often, we become fatigued/ anxious or agitated when we have not given ourselves enough time, space or attention. Bringing in quiet moments just for yourself throughout the day can help bring you back to yourself.
Journaling, spending time in nature, listening to music you love, and even dancing can help release the extra toxins from the body. Most importantly: Enjoy your day. Let your heart be your guide.
