You schedule meetings. You block off dentist appointments. You even pencil in oil changes.
But what about time just for you?
If your calendar is packed with things for everyone else but nothing that actually fills your cup, it might be time for a little reset. That’s where the 5 Feel-Good Days come in.
These aren’t fancy spa days or complicated routines. They’re simple, purposeful moments you can plan each month to lift your mood, boost your energy, and help you feel more like yourself again.
Think of them as your monthly wellness tune-up. A few feel-good check-ins to help you stay grounded, less stressed, and more like yourself.
Let’s take a look at what each of these days is all about, why they matter, and how to make them actually happen.
1. Reset (Tidy Up Your Life) Day
AKA: Tie up loose ends, clear the clutter, and start fresh.
This is your monthly mental refresh. Catch up on errands. Organize your calendar. Declutter that junk drawer or clean out your inbox. A Reset Day gives you time to stop juggling and actually complete the small, nagging tasks that weigh you down.
Why it helps:
Research from the UCLA Center on Everyday Lives of Families found a strong link between clutter and increased cortisol levels. Meanwhile, a Princeton University study showed that physical clutter competes for your attention, making it harder to focus.
Health + productivity perks:
- Lower stress and cortisol levels
- Improved focus and clarity
- Better sleep and reduced anxiety
- Boosted productivity through decreased decision fatigue
2. Unplug Day
AKA: Airplane mode for your soul.
Take one day a month to log off — no social media, no emails, no notifications. Instead, fill your time with activities that feed your real-life self: reading, walking, baking, playing music, or just being still.
Why it helps:
Mutliple studies show excessive screen time with poor sleep, higher stress, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. Even brief digital detoxes have been shown to improve focus, mental health, and emotional regulation.
Health + productivity perks:
- Increased presence and creativity
- Lower anxiety and reduced screen fatigue
- Improved sleep quality (bye-bye, blue light)
- A reset for your nervous system
3. Be-a-Tourist Day
AKA: Explore like you don’t live there.
Spend a day pretending you’re visiting your own city for the first time. Try a new restaurant. Visit a local landmark. Wander through a new neighborhood. Take photos. Savor the newness.
Ready to break the routine? Dive into the Novelty Rule.
Why it helps:
Experiencing something new activates the brain’s reward center and releases dopamine. According to neuroscientist Dr. David Eagleman, novel experiences make time feel slower and life feel fuller.
Health + productivity perks:
- Boosted mood and dopamine release
- More vivid memories and time expansion
- Increased brain plasticity and creativity
- Helps break up the monotony of routine
4. Reconnection Day
AKA: Don’t cancel that coffee.
Use this day to nurture your relationships. Call a friend. Grab lunch with a mentor. Write a letter. Send a “thinking of you” text. These small acts of connection go a long way.
Why it helps:
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, found that strong social connections are the biggest predictor of long-term health and life satisfaction. Loneliness, on the other hand, increases the risk of chronic illness and early death.
Health + productivity perks
- Reduced risk of depression and anxiety
- Strengthened immune system
- Better cognitive function and emotional resilience
- Greater sense of belonging and purpose
5. Mini-Adventure Day
AKA: Break the routine, spark some joy.
Try something new and a little daring. Go for a hike somewhere new. Take a class you’ve been curious about. Do something spontaneous and joyful.
Why it helps:
According to the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who engage in small adventures or novelty-rich experiences report greater life satisfaction and mental well-being. These experiences also help fight off burnout by creating excitement and motivation.
Health + productivity perks:
- More energy and engagement
- Reduced emotional exhaustion
- Enhanced creative thinking and confidence
- A refreshed sense of curiosity and perspective
What If Five Days Feels Like… a Lot?
Between work, family, and everything else life throws at you, five dedicated days each month might feel out of reach. And that’s okay. These days are meant to be goals to strive for, not rules to stress over.
Even picking one day to unplug, explore, or reconnect can make a huge difference in your energy and outlook. Think of these five days as a menu, not a checklist. You can mix, match, or shrink them to fit your life right now. If you can only manage one or two this month, that’s still a win.
Some ideas to make it work:
- Stack two into one (a mini adventure + reconnect = hike with a friend!)
- Start with just one per month, then build from there
- Try smaller versions of your activities, such as an hour here or a morning there
- Keep a list of simple go-to ideas so you’re not starting from scratch
- Set a recurring reminder so it doesn’t get lost in the shufflle
What matters most is protecting time for you, however that looks right now. These five days are something to grow into, not stress about.
Block the Time Now
Life moves fast but you don’t have to stay in hustle mode 24/7. These five days are your gentle reminder to slow down, check in, and actually enjoy the life you’re working so hard to build.
Whether it’s organizing your week, stepping away from screens, or exploring your own city like a curious tourist, these little pauses can spark big shifts in your health, mood, and energy.
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to earn these days. They’re not rewards; they’re requirements, not for productivity but for well-being. And when you feel better, you do better in work, in relationships, in life.
So go ahead. Pull up your calendar and block them in now.
