Easy Ways to Relax this August

August can either be utterly relaxing or be packed with social schedules of BBQs and get-togethers, or maybe a bit of both. Work offices tend to be emptier than usual, with more people working from home or having ‘summer Fridays’. August is a perfect time to reset, knowing that the summer is coming to a close, schools will be back in session soon, and work may start to pick up again. To enhance your relaxation and head into the fall months feeling balanced, here is a list of simple ways to relax this August and savor this last summer month

Beach Walk 

Imagine the smell of salt air, the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shores, and the views of the beautiful beachside flora and fauna. A beachwalk is a perfect way to unwind and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature. It’s well known that being out in nature helps reduce stress, improve your mood, and shift your perspective. If you live inland, a lake or pond walk can offer a similar sense of peace. My husband and I recently visited Fort Foster Park in Kittery, Maine. This beautiful state park right on the coast in Kittery features an easy hike along the Ocean Trail that ends at a small, serene beach. The $25 entrance fee helps to keep the crowds away, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and calm of the area. With a couple of small beaches and picnic tables along the way, it’s a great spot to pack a picnic, dip your toes in the ocean, and make a day of it. 

Fort Foster Park, Kittery, Maine

Summer-themed Puzzle

If you’re looking to beat the heat, retreat indoors with a summer-themed puzzle. Puzzling can provide your brain with some downtime, creating a meditative state as you piece together a beautiful image.I love to put on a podcast and make myself a refreshing drink while working on a puzzle. You’ll be surprised how engrossed you can get, it’s also nice because it can often take a couple of days or more to finish the puzzle so it creates a nice space for you to go to and unwind day after day. I picked up this beautiful Paris Sunset puzzle from White Mountain Puzzles that depicts a quaint, summer alley in Paris complete with cozy cafes and flowers. If puzzles aren’t your thing, August is also a great time to start on some fall crafts. 

Flower picking

Surround yourself with the vibrant colors and sweet scents of a flower farm. Flower picking is not only so peaceful but also creatively satisfying as you craft your own bouquet. I visited Rosaly’s Garden in Peterborough, NH, a beautiful organic farm overlooking the Mount Monadnock region. With its U-Pick flowers and a charming farm stand offering local products, it was the perfect way to spend a beautiful blue-sky day. The gentle breeze, colorful blooms, and the company of a friend made it a truly relaxing experience. Best of all, you get to enjoy the beauty of your handpicked flowers for days afterwards. 

Foot spa 

A hot foot soak in the middle of August may sound counterintuitive, but it’s incredibly refreshing! Our feet endure a lot during the summer, from wearing sandals and being more active on our feet. My mom and I recently visited The Soaking Pot Infusion Spa in North Conway and our feet felt amazing and refreshed after. They offered various foot soaks, I chose the French Lavender Coconut Soak which was both soothing and smelled amazing. The spa also offered refreshing seasonal drinks, like blueberry iced tea. Sitting in comfy lounge chairs with the AC on and spa music playing overhead was a truly relaxing experience. 

Treatment room at The Soaking Pot Infusion Spa

Read outdoors
After a long day at work or during a leisurely weekend, nothing beats decompressing with a good book outdoors. Reading is a great way to distract your mind from stressful thoughts and stimulate your imagination. Set the mood by making yourself a refreshing drink, lighting an outdoor fire or citronella candle, and letting nature's own spa music surround you. I recently enjoyed reading Book Lovers by Emily Henry, a cozy story about a big-city book editor who takes a summer trip to a small town with her younger sister and romance ensues.

I hope you take some time to fill your cup this August, you deserve it!