Need a mental health day? 5 ways to make the most of it.

Remembering Suzanne Somers. 'Ugly shoes' our editors swear by. October 16, 2023 | [VIEW IN BROWSER]( This is TODAY September 6, 2023 | [VIEW IN BROWSER]( This is TODAY Thousands have gathered at the border of Gaza and Egypt in a bid to flee before a potential ground assault by Israel in the war with Hamas, and the entertainment world mourns the loss of "Three's Company" star Suzanne Somers. Plus, how to get the most out of taking a mental health day, and the simple snack that will give you a boost before your workout. The Latest   [Gaza's southern border is still closed as crowds gather to flee ahead of possible Israeli ground assault.]( A crowd gathered at the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing on Gaza's southern border with Egypt this morning, as it remained unclear whether the only exit out of Gaza not controlled by Israel would re-open. Gazans are [trying to escape the war]( ahead of a potential ground assault by Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday that the Rafah crossing "will be reopened,” and added that Washington was working with the United Nations, Egypt and Israel to put an aid plan in place. [More than a million people]( — half of Gaza's population — have been displaced from their homes in the nine days of fighting between Hamas and Israel, according to the U.N. [Here's the latest](. ['Three's Company' star and fitness pitchwoman Suzanne Somers died at 76.]( Suzanne Somers, who shot to fame on the TV sitcom "Three's Company" and later became a successful spokesperson — most notably for the ThighMaster — and author of best-selling books on aging, wellness and sex, [died in her home on the eve of her 77th birthday]( early yesterday, her publicist said. It wasn't immediately clear how Somers died, but her publicist said she "survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years.” In July, Somers shared on [Instagram]( that her cancer had returned. "This is not new territory for me," she wrote. "I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.” A representative for Somers told NBC News in a separate statement that the actor had been dealing with other unspecified health issues. [Continue reading](. [👞 15 ‘ugly shoes’ experts and editors swear by for ultimate comfort.]( While the rise of "un-cool" shoes like Crocs and Birkenstocks might have dedicated fashion fans up in arms, our Shop TODAY team is here for the trend. That's because those "dad sneakers" and other so-called "ugly" shoes incorporate elements like heavily cushioned soles, shock-absorbing features and arch supports that [make your feet really feel good](. We found [15 styles]( of chunky sneakers, funky flats, retro sandals, bowling shoes and more that your feet will thank you for. [See them all here](. [🍠Why you should eat this one snack before you work out](. If you want a simple snack to give yourself a boost before you hit the gym, a single [sweet potato]( will do the trick. The super starch contains complex carbohydrates that break down slowly and provide long-lasting energy for exercise. Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin A, which helps with eye health, and they're rich in potassium, which is tied to blood pressure. [See all the benefits here](. Start TODAY   Achieve your life and health goals with easy tips. It feels like time for a mental health day, doesn't it? With everything going on in the world right now, plus the usual stress of work and daily life, the need to take a day for yourself is perfectly understandable. But how do you [get the most out of it](? Whether it's spending the day in nature or giving your brain a workout with an art lesson, taking a "me day" will benefit from a little planning. We spoke to experts about [5 ways to make a mental health day happen]( amid a busy schedule. What's for dinner?   Allow us to do the meal-planning for you. If you're looking for some comfort food on your mental health day, or searching for a new addition to your football tailgate, cookbook author Molly Yeh has the answer. Level up your pigs in a blanket with Molly's [pretzel challah bagel dogs,]( which come out soft and fluffy with plenty of salty, pretzely flavor. Use full-sized hot dogs instead of cocktail franks to nail the all-important bread-to-wiener ratio. [Get the recipe](. Daily Delight   A little pick-me-up before you go. Billy Bastin was full of [anticipation to see his bride-to-be]( for the first time on their wedding day when he turned around and received a shock that left him doubled over with emotion. Bastin's brother, Johnny, 24, was expected to miss the wedding in San Diego due to his deployment on a Navy submarine. But when Billy turned around, there was Johnny standing there. The two shared a big hug and then enjoyed a special day as Billy married his wife, Sally. "It was everything we could have asked for," their mother, Lea, told us. [See the heartwarming moment here](.   Thanks for letting us in your inbox! See you again tomorrow morning. Written by Scott Stump | Edited by Philip Caulfield Want to refer a friend?[Subscribe here]( Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Unsubscribe](listvar=sub_today) | [Privacy]( | [Contact]( [MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_today) | [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT](