August is a month. It’s not quite the end of something old. But it doesn’t really feel like a beginning either. August settles comfortably into the slow space between summer’s hurry and fall’s haste. So, if anything, August is the perfect month to stop, take stock of your life, and take one small step toward something that will make your life matter—something yours, and yours alone.
For mental health, happiness, and everything in between.
Life moves fast. There’s school, work, and life to keep busy all the time. It’s easy to rush through a whole month and barely realize it’s passed. But that doesn’t have to be your August.
Here are 15 simple things to do this month that will help you feel connected to yourself and ready to conquer the world around you.
1. Reflect on Your Year So Far
August is the perfect opportunity to slow down and reflect. Look back at the first half of this year. What’s been going well? What hasn’t? What would you like to change? Take note of these things, but don’t judge yourself. Reflection helps you understand where you are so you can reach your destination.
2. Start a Simple Morning Routine
Mornings set the tone for the rest of your day. Start to create a simple routine that allows you to wake up feeling centered and ready to go. This could be waking up five minutes earlier to drink a glass of water, stretch, or go for a short walk. Starting simple allows your body and mind to ease into the day.
Read also: Building a Productive Morning Routine
3. Kick One Bad Habit
We all have habits we wish we could quit. Whether it be spending too much time on your phone, sleeping through breakfast, or staying up too late, pick one bad habit and focus on releasing it this month. Remember, you’re not trying to be perfect—just present. When you notice yourself falling back into bad habits, pause and choose a better alternative.
4. Declutter One Area of Your Life
If your room is messy, your mind can feel messy. Focus on decluttering one area of your life this month. This can be your bedroom, desk, junk drawer, or even your phone. Clear it out. Get rid of the junk that you no longer need or use. Not only will you feel accomplished, but you’ll feel clearer mentally too.
Read also: 10 Simple Ways to Declutter Your Life
5. Spend More Time in Nature
Mother Nature is healing. If you’re lucky enough to live near a park, hiking trail, or forest, spend some time outside this month soaking it all in. But you don’t have to live in a nature-centric place to enjoy it. Simply sit under a tree, take a walk around your neighborhood, or gaze at the sky for a few minutes. Nature allows us to breathe deeper, think clearer, and feel connected to life. According to the American Heart Association, spending time in nature can reduce stress and benefit your heart.
6. Learn Something New
Learning something new doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be as simple as reading about a topic that interests you. Not only does learning keep your mind sharp, but it can also spark joy when you learn new and exciting things. Learn how to cook that recipe you’ve been wanting to try. Learn how clouds form. Learn how to use that new app you downloaded months ago and still haven’t figured out. You’ll feel like a kid again.
7. Take a Technology-Free Day
We live in a world full of technology. Between phones, computers, and televisions, it’s easy to spend our days staring at screens. Pick a day this month to take a break. No phone, TV, or computer. Notice how you spend your day and how you feel when you’re not glued to technology.
8. Journal
You don’t have to be an expert writer to keep a journal. Grab a notebook and start writing. Tell it about your day. Tell it how you’re feeling. Tell it your hopes and dreams. Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and clear your mind.
9. Reach Out To an Old Friend
Think about someone you used to be close with but have lost touch over the years. Maybe it’s a childhood friend, cousin, or even an old teacher. Reach out and reconnect. Send them a text, or better yet, give them a call. Chances are they would love to hear from you just as much as you miss talking to them.
10. Do Nothing for 10 Minutes
Our brains get used to being stimulated all day long. But did you know some of the best things in life are when nothing is happening? Sit down and allow yourself to do nothing for 10 minutes. Let your thoughts wander and allow yourself to be present. Meditation isn’t for everyone, so if you don’t vibe with it, that’s okay. Silence and stillness are peaceful and allow the body to heal.
11. Read Something for Fun
Pick up a book, comic, or article that you enjoy and read it. Don’t force yourself to read because you have to. Allow yourself to get lost in reading something that you love. Reading for fun allows you to feel joyful and wondrous again. It also helps you relax and fall asleep thinking happy thoughts.
Not sure what to read? Check out this great list of good reads that are fun and easy.
12. Watch the Sunset or Sunrise
Okay, this one is simple for a reason. Watching a sunset or sunrise is calming and allows you to appreciate just how beautiful the world is. Make time to watch a sunrise or sunset this month. Sit down, relax, and watch as the world changes colors.
13. Do Something Nice for Someone and Don’t Tell a Soul
Acts of kindness can be simple. Whether it be being kind to a friend or stranger, leaving your mom a sweet note, carrying someone’s groceries, or listening to your brother vent about their day. Try doing something nice for someone this month and allow yourself to feel that quiet joy that follows.
14. Move Your Body
Move in whatever way brings you joy. Dance around your room, stretch in bed, take a walk at night. Listen to your body and do what feels good. Our bodies are what carry us throughout this life, so allow yourself to treat it well. According to the CDC, just light activity can help your mood, energy, and overall health.
15. Create a Mini Bucket List for the Rest of the Year
The year is far from over! With half of the year gone, you can still achieve so much more. Sit down and create a mini bucket list. These can be goals you’d like to achieve in the next few months or things you’d just like to get done by the end of the year. Having goals can help you feel more focused and in control of your life.
Final Thought
August isn’t just the month before summer ends. Allow August to be the month that you pause, reach out, and step forward with silent strength. You don’t have to make a drastic change. Just make choices that allow you to find peace and feel alive.
Life isn’t always going to give you enough time to pause and smell the roses. But in August, you have that time. Take a deep breath and use those 31 days in a way that benefits your mental health. Be proud of how you decide to spend your days.
When September rolls around, ask yourself: Did I do anything this month that helped me grow? Did anything make me smile? Did anything make me feel strong? If you answered yes to one of these things, you made this month matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do all 15 things to make August “count”?
No. Even doing one small thing with intention can help you feel more connected and grounded.
What if I feel too busy or overwhelmed to try any of this?
Start with something tiny—like doing nothing for 10 minutes, journaling for a few lines, or stepping outside for fresh air.
How do I choose what to focus on first?
Pick the one thing that feels easiest to do consistently. Simple steps add up, and your routine can grow from there.
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