August 15th is National Relaxation Day—and honestly, at first, I was thought it was a bit silly but upon reflection, I realized it’s a holiday I really need! My brain has a hard time shutting off, so I’ll take any reminder to pause, breathe, and step away from the never-ending swirl of to-dos.
Over time, I’ve figured out a handful of little things that help me slow down and just be for a bit. Nothing fancy, but each one feels like a reset button in its own way:
- Morning tea ☕
There’s something about sitting down in the early morning with a cup of tea that I really love. I give myself bonus points if I’m outside in Vermont. The quiet and those first sips of warmth give me a chance to start the day with a little peace. - Reid time 🐾
Thank god for my dog, Reid. He’s naturally chill and more than happy to relax right alongside me. Seeing him just hang out reminds me that “doing nothing” is not wasted time. Marshmallow, our cat, is naturally a pro at this too! - Bear watching 🐻
In the summer, I love tuning into the Brooks Falls bear cams on Explore.org. There’s something oddly calming (and yes, entertaining) about watching giant brown bears patiently wait for salmon. I’ve even been known to sport a temporary bear tattoo on occasion to visually remind me to be patient! - Skipping what doesn’t work 📓
I admit—I’m too ADHD for regular journaling. I’ve learned to stop forcing it and if I feel like journaling great, if not, then “oh well.”
So no, I haven’t mastered the art of complete relaxation—but I’m building myself a little menu of things to help me pause, slow down, and reconnect.
Maybe National Relaxation Day is your reminder to try the same. What helps you shut down the noise and just enjoy the moment?
