How to Take An Effective Mental Health Day
Mental health days aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. But taking one effectively means more than binge-watching TV in your pyjamas (although that has its place too).
At The Orchard, we believe recovery is an active process. So whether you're overwhelmed, burnt out, or just need a reset, here's how to design a mental health day that actually works.
1. Start with intention—not guilt
You don’t need to earn your rest. The best mental health days begin with permission. Give yourself the space to pause, breathe, and reset without feeling like you're falling behind.
Start the day by asking:
“What do I actually need today—mentally, emotionally, physically?”
Then honour the answer.
2. Create a ‘calm-first’ environment
Before diving into activities, clear the noise—physically and mentally.
Open windows, tidy your space
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb (even for 2 hours)
Light a candle or play instrumental music
Take 5 deep breaths
You’re telling your nervous system: You’re safe. You can slow down.
3. Prioritise gentle movement and breath
Laying in bed all day might feel appealing—but it can leave you feeling stuck. Instead, try:
A walk in nature
Slow stretching or yoga
A session in our Infrared Sauna or Float Pod
Guided breathwork or ReOxy Breathing Therapy at The Orchard
These small shifts release endorphins, improve circulation and reduce mental fatigue—without overstimulating you.
4. Disconnect to reconnect
Stay off social media if you can. The comparison trap and constant stimulation often make things worse.
Instead, try reading, journaling, or even just staring out a window with a cup of tea. Stillness is productive when you’re healing.
5. Nourish wisely
Skip the junk food guilt spiral and fuel your body gently. Think: warm soup, herbal tea, protein, magnesium-rich snacks, and lots of water.
✨ Pro tip: Add Molecular Hydrogen Water to your day for an antioxidant-rich boost—available at both Orchard locations.
6. Book something restorative
The most effective mental health days include structured self-care. Here’s what some of our clients book on theirs:
A 60-minute Floatation Therapy session to mentally switch off
Compression Boots + Cold Plunge to flush fatigue
A session in our Energy Enhancement System (EES) to realign energy fields
Infrared Sauna + Red Light Therapy for total body calm
The combo of comfort, privacy, and proven recovery is what your nervous system actually wants.
7. End the day with clarity, not chaos
As your mental health day wraps up, don’t rush back into the noise. Instead, reflect:
How do I feel now vs. this morning?
What helped me most today?
What boundaries can I protect tomorrow?
You don’t need to solve everything—just carry the peace forward.
