August is National Wellness Month, which gives us a great opportunity to reflect on the daily habits that support our well-being and discover new ways to care for ourselves mentally and physically. Continue reading below as we cover some ideas for celebrating National Wellness Month that will help you prioritize self-care and explore new habits that promote wellness year-round.
1. Go on Daily Walks
Getting daily movement is always a great idea for your heart health, but it can also provide amazing benefits for your mental health as well. Getting some fresh air outside with a daily walk of 20 or 30 minutes can be just what you need to boost your energy levels and feel like your best self from the inside out. So, this National Wellness Month, challenge yourself to take a walk outside each day–even if it’s just for a few minutes!
2. Practice Gratitude Journaling
If you don’t have one already, you may want to start a daily gratitude journal where you can jot down the things you were grateful for each day. Doing so can boost your mood even after a long day, and can help you focus on the positive things in your day rather than dwelling on the negatives.
Did you love the outfit you wore for the day? Did you try out a new restaurant for lunch? Was your train on time? Big or small, identifying the things that brought you joy each day will help you have a more positive mindset and help you look for the good in things.
3. Take a Social Media Break
If you’re focusing on your mental wellness this August, you may want to take a digital detox and stay off social media for a day, a week, or even the whole month. In fact, 6 out of 10 Americans say social media negatively affects their mental health. So if you’re someone who feels overwhelmed or drained after scrolling through social media, you’re not alone, and you could probably benefit from a social media break.
Plus, staying off social media apps can free up time that you can use to try out some of the other wellness habits we’ve listed here.
4. Focus on Your Sleep
Another great idea to celebrate National Wellness Month is to focus on improving your sleep habits. According to the CDC, 1 out of 3 adults do not get enough sleep. So, it’s not uncommon to deal with sleep issues that keep you from feeling your best in the daytime.
Create a calming bedtime routine that helps you wind down from the day and ensure you get enough restful sleep each night. Maybe you introduce new self-care practices like a bubble bath, journaling, or meditation before bed to promote good sleep habits.
5. Be Mindful About Eating
You don’t need to go on an intense diet to celebrate National Wellness Month. But, you can be mindful of your eating habits and make small changes to see how you respond mentally and physically.
Maybe you want to try cutting out sugar, stop drinking alcohol, or focus on how much you chew your foods. Whatever you choose, paying attention to how your body feels when you consume certain foods and how you consume them can help improve your overall well-being and encourage you to make healthier choices and habits.