As summer reaches its peak, and life is abuzz with activity, take a much-needed breath, pause or whatever it is you need to de-stress and truly enjoy the moment. Summer can be crazy with work, childcare, weekend activities and trying to cram in all the fun you can, but it’s important to avoid burnout. August 15th, National Relaxation Day, is a beautiful call to inaction that celebrates the easiest (and hardest!) thing to do: chill out.
For students and parents, school is quickly approaching and there’s so much to do to get ready in time. The good news is that it doesn’t have to all get done in one day, there’s still time. Created by fourth grader Sean Moeller in 1985, National Relaxation Day, asks you to take a moment out of all the bustle and unwind for a day. It’s going to be ok if you hit pause for a minute.
Not to be confused with National Slacker Day on January 13th, National Relaxation Day is about decompressing, unburdening yourself, and truly loosening yourself up to eliminate stress. Stress is the silent killer, it weakens your immune system, raises your blood pressure, can trigger anxiety and can even cause gut health issues. To combat that, maybe you need a soothing aromatic massage, a day by the pool with a cocktail, or even just a nap in a hammock.
There are so many ways to integrate relaxation into your day, you just need to find the one that works for you. Analytical minds may enjoy completing a puzzle or playing a complicated board game, creatives might want to craft or play music, super active and fit folks might want a hot yoga class or a long bike ride, caregivers might want a moment to pamper themselves with a facial, and introverts might want to read on the couch.
While National Relaxation Day comes but once a year, the message is a valuable one to incorporate in your everyday life: release your stress. Incorporate daily self care relaxation rituals that make your days just a little more calm. Light a soothing herbal candle, enjoy some hot tea, try a little meditation for five minutes, or take a walk in nature to add a small but meaningful restful moment to your day.