Let’s take a moment to kick back and chill. Why? Because August 15th is National Relaxation Day, and frankly, you deserve it. Your summer has probably been more hectic than you ever thought it could be. We just came out of a pandemic, yet we still can’t entirely make up for last summer’s missed family activities. It’s been wild, and you deserve a break. So let’s look at seven different ways you can take some time for yourself and get that respite you deserve. 

1. Turn Off the Tech

You really should be doing this regularly. We know it’s hard, heck we’re on our tech right now. But there is scientific proof that turning off your tech and avoiding screens can be better for your health. Doing this on August 15th is a great start and a way for you to get away from the addictive pull of your phone and computer—but you can do better. Use this relaxation day as a jumping-off point for more tech-free time in the future. Even just a couple hours one evening a week can: 

♦ Make you more present and “in the moment”
♦ Improve your sleep
♦ Strengthen relationships with other people
♦ Break some bad habits
♦ Increase focus
♦ Support eye health

2. Try a New Activity

Never been paddleboarding? Give it a try. How about rock climbing, sky diving, ocean kayaking, ballroom dancing, or maybe try jumping rope or playing hopscotch. Refresh and revitalize your day by doing something novel (to you) and playing with your brain and body.  Both your brain and your muscles crave new experiences. 

Stepping out of your routine and trying something totally different can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Do something that sounds fun but not too challenging or frightening. Ever take salsa dancing classes? It’s a great option you can try that’s not going to land you in the hospital but will enhance your social and cognitive skills, and it’s good for the body. Who knows, you may find a new favorite activity.

3. Go Outside

Just spending time outside in nature is a great way to destress and boost your sense of inner peace. The American Psychological Association refers to it as being Nurtured by Nature. Not only does this time outside help you feel relaxed and destressed, but it can also sharpen your cognition. That might mean that after time outside, you’ll be more efficient at doing the things you need to do. The end result is that you complete that to-do list faster and get to spend more time outside. It’s a pretty cool cycle and one you want to hop on. 

While outdoors, you can also benefit from grounding, or earthing as it's also called. The Journal of Environmental and Public Health defines grounding as direct physical contact with the electrons on the surface of the earth. The idea is that when we are in contact with those electrons, our body absorbs them as energy, which can have resulting benefits. While more research is being done, one study on its effects on mood has shown that as little as one hour of grounding can have a positive impact. Another study has shown cardiovascular benefits. So next time you're outside, try walking barefoot while being mindful of the earth beneath your feet, or you can lay flat on your back and run your arms through the grass and take note of how you feel before and after. 

The best part is that you don't need much when you're outside to get those benefits. Make the most of this day and do several relaxation activities outside to reap the rewards exponentially.

4. Surround Yourself With Loved Ones

We know you’re surrounded by your family all of the time, but this time needs to be special. Make it something you all enjoy doing; whether it’s a puzzle, a movie together, a picnic, a hike, or spending some time at the beach—there are so many different options. Find something that everyone enjoys and requires little to no effort to make happen. Just take comfort in being together and enjoying the moment. A great way to make sure everyone enjoys everyone’s company is to have everyone turn in their phones before this time begins.

5. Books and Baths

Have you been wanting to read the latest bestseller? How about a relaxing bath with no distractions? Sometimes being alone is the best way to relax, and there’s no better way to do both than spending time with a book in a bath. Baths have been used as de-stressors for centuries, as there are many benefits of spending time in warm water. One study out of the New England Journal of Medicine found that soaking in a hot tub can bring relief to individuals experiencing pain or circulation troubles commonly associated with diabetes. Throw in some Epsom salt, and you can help soothe achy muscles and relieve pain. Of course, bringing a good book with you will help you pass the time so you can reap the benefits of a more extended bath. 

Go ahead and arrange to have that be your little treat for National Relaxation Day. A couple of hours can be transformative and make up for all of the running around, planning, and organizing you’ve done all summer.

6. Do Something For Others

At first, the idea of doing something for someone else might seem like just another burden. You’re already stretched pretty thin and doing everything for all of the people in your family, at your job, and maybe even for your friends. So why would you want to do a charitable act? Because it’s worth it.

Giving and doing for others makes you feel happy by releasing endorphins. Those little brain chemicals create a sense of euphoria, and then oxytocin is released, and suddenly you’re feeling a calming inner peace and tranquility. Just remember, there’s a difference between giving of yourself and having demands put upon you. One causes you stress and the other relieves it.

7. Start a ZenWell Habit

Live ConsciousTM ZenWell is an advanced formula of KSM-66® Ashwagandha and Alphawave® L-Theanine. What does it do? It reduces everyday stress.  KSM-66® Ashwagandha is the highest concentration, full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract on the market.  AlphaWave®is our proprietary and pure L-Theanine amino acid. These work together to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, provide adrenal support, boost brain health, and give you more energy. It’s like taking National Relaxation Day in tablet form.

Live Consciously

These are just seven different ways you can add a little relaxation to the end of your summer. You probably already have a few in mind, like those things you wanted to do all summer but never got around to it. Or even things you used to love to do but haven’t done in years. Add those to the list. We think the more ways you can treat yourself and improve your sense of inner calm and zen, the better. 

And, of course, it’s not just about one day in the middle of August. If you really want to live a better life, then prioritizing yourself should be your first step. To truly be effective, relaxation needs to happen daily, self-care needs to be constant, and your focus on health must be relentless. When all of that becomes engrained in who you are, then you’ll begin to see the benefits, and you’ll flourish in all that you do.