How to Build a Wind-Down Routine That Really Works

In today’s hustle culture, we’re praised for productivity and told sleep is something to be earned. So when we prioritize rest, it can feel downright rebellious. But what if we told you that stillness isn’t just restorative? It’s also resilient. And fungi, nature’s humblest teachers, can show us how to pause, reflect and recharge. At Fantastic Fungi, we believe that rest is not a reward for hard work, but a vital ingredient in living a fantastic life. Just as mushrooms thrive in the unseen corners, quietly supporting nature in ways we’ve only begun to understand, we can also benefit from stepping back and taking care of ourselves by seemingly doing nothing. Read on to learn how stillness is a form of resilience, why rest truly matters and how fungi can help us learn to pause.  The Wisdom of the Mycelial Network Beneath our feet lies a vast and intelligent network that operates through connection and patience. Mycelium spreads slowly and deliberately, pausing when needed, conserving energy and waiting for the exact right conditions to grow. It reminds us that thriving doesn’t require constant motion. Mushrooms aren’t in a rush. And maybe we don’t need to be either. Next time you feel pressured to push when you want to be still, consider how mycelium would react in that situation.  Stillness is Strength Were you raised to believe that doing nothing is wasting time? A lot of us were. But research shows that intentional rest can boost mental clarity, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. When we slow down and breathe deeply, our nervous system gets a chance to reset. Rest is when our body begins to repair, our mind starts to settle and creativity has room to blossom. Our culture may not always celebrate rest, but nature does. Mushrooms grow in cycles after periods of dormancy. Their stillness is strategic, not stagnant. It's how they survive, adapt and support life around them.  Struggling to find your chill? Carve out a few minutes to make taking your favorite mushroom Elixir into a daily ritual. Fantastic Fungi Chill Elixir harnesses the peaceful power of Reishi, plus Shiitake and the herbs Holy Basil and Vervain to help you unwind naturally.*  Set a timer for five to 15 minutes, turn off notifications, put your feet up and savor every drop of this serene, restful formula. Our mushroom products support a balanced life — one that’s truly fantastic and honors both energy and ease. Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps have been studied for their ability to support the body's response to occasional stress and fatigue.* While nothing can replace rest, these mushrooms can be part of a toolkit that supports your body and mind during demanding times.* Our Chill Elixir and Sleep Capsules are crafted with this in mind. Backed by science and inspired by nature, they’re designed to help you create space for restoration.  Reconsider How You Define Rest  Rest isn’t just about sleep — it’s about how we show up for ourselves in quiet moments. Whether it’s 10 minutes of breathwork, an afternoon walk in the woods or simply sitting with your thoughts, choosing to do less can help you become more present and grounded. By promoting focus and mental clarity, Lion’s Mane (a key ingredient in our Memory Gummies) can help you stay in the moment.* This resistance to multitasking and rushing is its own form of “rest.”  So next time you feel pulled to do more, consider doing nothing instead. Let fungi be your role models. They’ve been resting, growing and changing the world for millions of years. Photo Credit: Fahmi Ramadhan

Spring is a time of renewal, a chance to reset, refresh and embrace habits that help you feel your best. By making small, intentional changes, you can support your well-being and bring out your natural glow — literally and metaphorically. Shake off those winter doldrums and feel your best with nine simple ways to revitalize yourself this season: 1. Start with Mushrooms Since spring is the season to start fresh, consider a new-to-you mushroom. Already a pro when it comes to Reishi, Chaga and Lion’s Mane? Head to our Fungi Field Guide to find another mushroom to learn about and integrate into your daily routines.  2. Practice Mindful Eating Spring is a great time to slow down and be more intentional with your meals. Chewing food thoroughly and savoring each bite can help support digestion and encourage a greater connection to the nourishment you receive from whole foods. Keep things simple, like soups made with slow-simmered mushroom broth and salads or stir-fries with the season’s greens.  3. Spend More Time in Nature. Getting outside — whether for a short walk, foraging adventure or simply breathing fresh air — is never a bad idea. Spending time in nature is the perfect antidote to doom scrolling. 4. Embrace a Growth Mindset. Spring symbolizes growth, making it a great time to set new intentions. Taking small, consistent steps toward your goals and being kind to yourself along the way can help create positive momentum in your life. As a reminder, your growth mindset can be a slower one.  5. Deepen Your Gratitude Practice. Writing down a few things you appreciate each day can help shift focus toward positivity. This simple habit may help cultivate a sense of contentment and inner balance. Already have a practice in gratitude? Browse our list of 24 ways to give thanks.  6. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation. Good sleep is an essential part of feeling your best. Creating a calming evening routine — such as limiting screen time, sipping herbal tea or reading a book — can help you unwind and support overall wellness. You might also consider adding our Sleep Capsules to your P.M. routine. They contain a blend of organic Reishi fruiting body extract, Passionflower and Hops extracts. Sleep is formulated to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.*  7. Level-Up Your Hydration.  Staying hydrated is key to feeling refreshed. Try adding natural ingredients like cucumber, citrus or berries to your water for a flavorful twist that encourages hydration. Craving something beyond water? Brew up a cup of our new Mighty Mushroom Matcha made in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil.  8. Express Yourself.  Whether it's painting, writing, music or movement, creative activities offer a fun way to express yourself — and let go of what you’re carrying over from seasons past. Creative pursuits help bring joy and a renewed sense of energy. 9. Glow from the Inside-Out.  We love changing up our Elixirs rituals with the seasons. In spring, consider reaching for our great-tasting, vegan Beauty Elixir. It blends Tremella and Chaga organic mushroom extracts with Horsetail and Acerola Berry to give you a glow from the inside-out.* Try it in your morning smoothie or afternoon herbal tea.  By making small, intentional shifts this spring, you can refresh your mind, nourish your body, and cultivate a natural glow that radiates from within. Which of these practices will you try first?

When it comes to love, Valentine’s Day gets all the attention. With that sweet day barely in the rearview mirror, let’s consider what would happen if we clung to that “love and be loved” mindset every day of the year.  Of course, we’re going to turn to nature for inspiration — and mushrooms, specifically. Valentine’s Day is like the mushroom fruiting body, the part that gets most of the attention. But we wait for it all year, and then it’s gone. What if we instead thought of love like the mycelial network, connecting not just two people but each and every being on the planet?  Love is a force of nature, something that grows, spreads and nourishes just like the interconnected web of mycelium beneath our feet. In the same way mushrooms enrich the soil, break down barriers and support entire ecosystems, we can cultivate love in our daily lives, ensuring it thrives beyond just a single holiday. Love doesn’t have to be grand. It can be an act of kindness, a moment of connection or a choice to care more deeply for the people and the world around us. Whether you’re looking to uplift a friend, show gratitude to nature or nourish your own weary soul, here are 10 ways to keep love alive all year long. 1. Break bread with someone you love.  Cooking is an act of love. In some communities, “have you eaten?” is a way to say “I love you.” Whether it’s a home-cooked meal for a friend, a shared dish at a community gathering or a nourishing recipe from our community cookbook, food brings people together. Take time to make a meal with care and share it with someone who could use a little warmth. 2. Support small and sustainable businesses Show your love for the environment by supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, whether it’s a local mushroom farm, a zero-waste store or an eco-conscious brand. Every purchase helps build the kind of world you want to live in. 3. Give the gift of knowledge Spread love like mycelium underfoot by sharing wisdom. Introduce someone to the wonders of mushrooms, recommend a book or teach a skill that might empower someone else. 4. Practice random acts of kindness Surprise a neighbor with some of your mushroom surplus, pay for a stranger’s coffee or leave an uplifting note for a friend who’s having a rough go of it. Small, unexpected gestures remind us that love exists every day. 5. Reconnect with nature Mushrooms remind us that we can’t thrive in a vacuum. Head out for a mindful walk in the woods, plant native flowers or simply sit and appreciate the view around you. Nature gives endlessly — and our awe and wonder are tithings to her beauty. 6. Listen with intention Sometimes, the best way to show love is to simply listen, especially when those around us are struggling. Offer your full presence in conversations. Whether it’s a friend in need or a family member sharing a story, being truly heard is a gift few receive often enough. 7. Create something Handmade gifts carry energy, intention and love. Whether it’s a hand-knitted scarf, homemade herbal tea blend or a seasoning blend made with dried mushrooms, a DIY creation can be more meaningful than anything store-bought. 8. Cultivate a giving mindset Donate to a cause you believe in, volunteer your time or simply offer what you can. Giving doesn’t always mean money — sometimes, it’s sharing resources, experiences or even just a kind word. Yes, comments left on social media count, too!  9. Build community Join or create spaces that bring people together. Whether it’s a mushroom-foraging group, a community garden or a book club, fostering connection strengthens the roots of love in our lives. 10. Love yourself, too The soil needs mushrooms to replenish itself, and you need rest and care to replenish yourself. Take time for joy, rest and personal growth. When we care for ourselves, we have more to give to others. One simple way to show yourself some love each day? A daily ritual of choosing the right Mushroom Elixir for what you’re going through at that moment.  How do you take care of yourself and others — and spread the love — when it’s not Valentine’s Day? Tag us on social media and let us know.