
What Mushrooms Can Teach Us About Rest
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