August 1-31

National Wellness Month

It's National Wellness Month - take time to focus on your health and well-being with self-care practices, healthy habits, and relaxation techniques.

Yearly Date

August 1

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get ready to prioritize your mental and physical well-being because August 1 marks the start of National Wellness Month! This month-long holiday was created in 1976 by a group of health and wellness professionals who wanted to promote self-care and healthy lifestyle habits. It's a time to focus on all aspects of wellness - from exercise and nutrition, to stress management and self-care. So take this opportunity to set some goals, try new healthy habits, or simply give yourself some much-deserved TLC. Let's make August the best month for our overall wellness!

National Wellness Month Timeline

1976

Wellness Month Launch

National Wellness Month was created by health and wellness professionals to promote self-care and healthy lifestyle habits.

1980

Broader Wellness Movement

The wellness movement experienced broader adaption, coming into mainstream conversation about human health and wellbeing.

2000s

Rise of Wellness Industry

The wellness industry grew immensely, with more resources and businesses dedicated to promoting and supporting individual and collective well-being.

2014

Social Media Impact

Social media begins to play a strong role in spreading awareness about National Wellness Month and encouraging people to participate.

2020

Wellness Amidst Pandemic

The relevance of self-care and wellness increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic as individuals and families navigated changes to daily life.

How to Celebrate National Wellness Month

1 Practice mindfulness

Take time each day to practice mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply focusing on your breath. This will help you to reduce stress and improve your overall wellness.

2 Try a new healthy recipe

Use National Wellness Month as an opportunity to try out a new healthy recipe. This could be a nutritious smoothie, a vegetable-packed dish, or a tasty salad. Get creative and have fun in the kitchen!

3 Get active outdoors

Take advantage of the beautiful weather during National Wellness Month by getting in some outdoor exercise. Go for a hike, bike ride, or even just a walk around your neighborhood. Fresh air and movement are great for both physical and mental well-being.

4 Attend a wellness workshop or event

Check your local community center or wellness center for workshops or events focused on improving wellness. This could be anything from a nutrition seminar to a stress management workshop. Take advantage of these resources to learn more about how to take care of yourself.

5 Practice self-care

Make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care during National Wellness Month. This could mean taking a day off work, getting a massage, or simply spending some time doing something you enjoy. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for overall wellness.

Why National Wellness Month is Important

It brings awareness to overall wellness

National Wellness Month is a time to focus on all aspects of wellness - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It encourages people to prioritize self-care and make positive changes in their daily routines for a healthier lifestyle.

It promotes healthy habits

This observance serves as a reminder to form healthy habits such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels. These behaviors can lead to improved physical health and overall well-being.

It emphasizes the importance of self-care

Self-care is often overlooked in our busy lives. National Wellness Month reminds us to slow down and take care of ourselves mentally and physically. This can include things like practicing mindfulness, taking breaks from technology, or treating yourself to small indulgences.