7 Effective Ways to Celebrate National Wellness Month this August & Beyond

“August is the slow, gentle month that stretches out the longest across the span of a year. It yawns and lingers on with the light in its palms.” - Victoria Erickson?

August, the month when life reminds us to pause and breathe. As Matt Simons sings in “Catch & Release ”, sometimes all we need is to “let go, just catching the release.” This National Wellness Month is a reminder to do just that—release the stress and catch the calm.?

It's that time of the year to tune into yourself; a time to refill your cup, recharge your batteries, and give yourself all the love and attention you deserve.??

So, let's make the most of it, shall we???

Before that, let's first understand -??

How did National Wellness Month come about??

The concept of wellness and self-care has been a focus for centuries, with ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato emphasizing its importance. Taoist practices like meditation and herbal medicine also highlighted its significance.??

These ideas, then, evolved through the 19th and 20th centuries, shaping our modern approach to wellness.?

In 2018, Live Love Spa took this concept further by dedicating August as National Wellness Month. The goal is simple: encourage people to prioritize one’s wellness. Whether it's through the 31-Day Wellness Challenge or making small changes, National Wellness Month reminds us that taking care of ourselves is key to a healthy, balanced life.?

1. Learn to Say ‘No’?

Mastering the art of saying 'no' is a powerful tool for enhancing your well-being. Many of us struggle with it, driven by a desire to please others or avoid conflict.?

But when you set clear boundaries and recognize your limits, you create space for what truly matters. This focus on your priorities leads to a more balanced and fulfilling existence.?

Research from The National Library of Medicine suggests that saying no can rewire your brain, helping you prioritize your well-being. This shift reduces overwhelm and burnout, leading to better mental health.?

Here are some tips to help you utter that magical word:?

• Be Direct and Honest: A simple “I can’t take that on right now” or “I won’t be able to make it” is often sufficient. Don’t overexplain.?

• Practice Empathy: Acknowledge the other person’s feelings while standing firm in your decision. You can say, “I appreciate you thinking of me, but I can’t commit to that right now.”?

• Offer an Alternative (If Appropriate): If someone asks for help on a project and you can’t assist, you might say, “I can’t help with that, but I can recommend someone else who might be able to.”?

Remember, by saying no to extra things, you're actually saying yes to yourself.?

Hope it helps.

2. Sleep Well?

You can eat right and work out all you want, but if you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. Sleep is when your body repairs tissues, regulates hormones, and consolidates memories, all essential for peak performance during the day.?

The easiest way to improve? Stick to a regular schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily.?

Here are a few more tips to help you sleep better:?

• Limit screen time before bed. The blue light from phones and laptops can mess with your circadian rhythm.?

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime—they can disrupt your sleep.?

• Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your room dark and cool.?

Quick tip: Don’t forget the power of a quick nap at work—a 15-minute snooze can really recharge your batteries for the rest of the day.??

Recommended Read: Guided Sleep Meditation To Beat Workplace Stress

3. Take it Easy?

We all have days when we fall short of our own expectations. It’s easy to overburden ourselves and feel frustrated when things don’t go as planned.??

But here’s the truth: everyone has off days, and sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our minds just don’t cooperate. And that’s completely okay. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, show yourself some compassion. Let go of the pressure to be perfect and embrace the slower pace. A little self-love goes a long way.??

Be kind to yourself. You’ve got this.

4. Step Outside?

Spending time outdoors offers one of the simplest health boosts: vitamin D. Just 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week can strengthen your bones and counteract the negative effects of sitting for long periods.??

But there’s more. A study from the University of Michigan shows that an hour in nature can improve memory and focus by 20%.??

Therefore, incorporate outdoor physical activity into your routine—whether it’s a jog or a short hike.? Think of it as your own way to “photosynthesize”—soak in the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the rejuvenation that comes from simply stepping outside.?

You can also use our in-house step tracker. Read this blog to find out more.??

5. Deal with Procrastination Head-on?

Beating procrastination is a game-changer for your overall wellness. When you stop delaying tasks, you reduce the stress and anxiety that come with last-minute rushes.??

Here’s what you can do to tackle it-

• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps. Take one task at a time.?

• Assign specific deadlines to each task.?

• Use the 5-Minute Rule: Commit to working on a task for just five minutes. Often, once you start, you’ll find it easier to keep going.?

• Eliminate Distractions: Identify what typically distracts you—whether it’s your phone, background noise, or small talk—and disengage from it while you’re working.?

Dispose of any insecurity or lack of confidence and take steps to tackle a project or a goal. When you give a word, commit to it.??

Recommended Podcast: The Only Way to Stop Procrastinating by Mel Robbins ?

Note: Most often procrastination originates from a deeper psychological cause. In that case, please seek professional help. Don’t just dismiss it by calling yourself lazy.??

6. Look after your Nutrition?

One of the biggest ways proper nutrition boosts wellness is by lowering the risk of chronic diseases. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly reduce the chances of developing major health issues.?

According to Harvard Health , good nutrition not only keeps your energy levels up but also protects against age-related illnesses, helping you live a longer, healthier life.??

Here’s how you can start: cut down on sugar, load up on colorful veggies and fruits, stay hydrated, watch your portions using a nutrition tracker . And remember, ditch the processed foods whenever you can.?

“You don’t have to eat less. You just have to eat right.”?

7. Do a Digital Detox?

A recent study shows that limiting social media use to just 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness.?

What can you do? Turn off notifications, set time limits, and when the urge to scroll hits, try something more rewarding—like reading, exercising, or picking up a hobby.?

Besides, mindful social media use can make a big difference.??

Think about when you’re most likely to reach for your phone - Is it out of boredom, procrastination, or loneliness? Identifying these moments can guide you toward healthier, more fulfilling activities.?

Whenever you do anything, always look for the purpose behind it.??

Bottom line?

At Vantage Fit , we’re excited to foster the spirit of wellness within you!??

Our platform offers wellness challenges, health resources, and incentives to keep you on track amidst your busy schedules. From tracking your fitness goals to boosting your mental well-being, Vantage Fit is here to help you make the most of this wellness celebration and keep the momentum going all year long.?

Remember to carry those above practices with you, not just through 31 days, but throughout the year. Because at the end of the day, your well-being is worth every bit of care and attention you give it.??

See you in the next edition. Till then, keep nurturing your well-being—one mindful step, healthy meal, and deep breath at a time.??

Article by Bijaya Lakshmi Sarma