15 National Wellness Month Activities for August 2025

August is National Wellness Month — a time to focus on mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Even with a busy schedule, it’s a great reminder to incorporate simple wellness practices that support your overall health.

National Wellness Month activities include a social media cleanse, walking meetings, and an at-home spa day. You can integrate these into your usual day-to-day or use as a way to treat yourself. We'll also share suggestions for how to implement many of these in the workplace.

1. Do a Social Media Cleanse

Taking a break from social media can lead to better mental health and more free time for activities that support your well-being. A recent study found that a two-week social media cleanse helped participants sleep better, exercise more, feel less stressed, and create stronger relationships. 

Try deleting apps from your phone temporarily, turning off notifications, or limiting time on specific platforms. It also helps to keep your phone away for certain parts of the day, such as during work and when spending time with loved ones.

2. Connect With Friends and Family

If you’ve been meaning to call a friend or visit a loved one, now’s the time. Social connection is a key part of well-being, and National Wellness Month is a great excuse to make plans or simply check in. 

Even small gestures like texting a friend or scheduling a coffee date can lift your mood and reduce feelings of isolation.

3. Find a Hobby

Not only are hobbies fun, but they’re also good for your health. Research shows that having a hobby as an adult is linked to greater happiness and overall well-being.

Try something new or get back into an old hobby. Fun ideas for adults include painting, gardening, doing puzzles, hiking, or cooking a new recipe.

4. Eat Healthy Foods

What you eat plays a significant role in how you feel. A nutritious, well-rounded diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and both plant and animal-based proteins can help lower disease risk and improve your energy levels.

Use National Wellness Month to add more plant-based meals to your diet or prep healthier snacks ahead of time. In the workplace, consider offering nutritious snacks in the break room or organizing a healthy recipe swap among team members.

5. Drink More Water

We know that staying hydrated helps with so much — energy, digestion, skin health, and mental clarity. 

If you have trouble drinking enough water, try the following:

• Start your day with a glass of water
• Keep a reusable water bottle with you
• Set reminders on your phone or watch
• Add natural flavor with lemon, cucumber, or mint

6. Have Walking Meetings

Walking meetings are a simple way to add more movement to your day, especially if you work at a desk. They promote creativity, focus, and physical activity. 

This is also one of the most practical National Wellness Month activities for the workplace. Consider suggesting walking meetings for one-on-one check-ins, team brainstorms, or casual status updates.

7. Set Up an Ergonomic Workstation

An ergonomic setup can reduce discomfort and help prevent strain or injury. Your workstation might include a supportive chair, proper screen height, and a desk that encourages good posture. 

If you’re an employer, you can celebrate National Wellness Month by offering ergonomic equipment or guidance for both in-office and remote employees.

8. Plan a Spa Day

One of our favorite National Wellness Month activities is planning a spa day. Spend a few hours treating yourself at a local spa or creating a spa day at home.

For a DIY spa day, you can:

• Light a relaxing candle
• Apply an eye or face mask
• Take a warm bath
• Moisturize with a nourishing lotion

9. Schedule Preventative Checkups

Preventive care is an important part of long-term wellness. Use this month as a reminder to book your annual physical, dental cleaning, or mental health screening. Staying on top of your health now can offer you peace of mind and help prevent bigger issues later.

Employers can support this by offering a morning or afternoon off so employees can schedule appointments they may otherwise not have time for. Be sure to honor time-off requests for checkups as well.

10. Join a Community Event

Whether it’s volunteering or attending a local event, community involvement can boost your mood and sense of belonging. Look for opportunities in your area or organize something small with friends or coworkers, like a neighborhood cleanup, food drive, or group walk to support a local cause.

In the workplace, this could look like hosting a team volunteer day or partnering with a local nonprofit.

11. Start an Exercise Routine

National Wellness Month is the perfect time to start or get back into a consistent exercise routine. Commit to regular movement in a way that works for you. 

Walking, biking, stretching, or joining a fitness class are all great ways to support your physical and mental health. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you for accountability and to make it easier and more fun to stick with.

12. Practice Mindful Breathing and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation support both mental and physical health. Research shows they can offer many benefits, including stress reduction, better focus, and emotional well-being.

Try simple practices like deep breathing throughout your day, noticing your surroundings on walks, or mindfully preparing and eating a meal.

13. Start a Gratitude Journal 

There are many advantages of gratitude, including more satisfaction with life, better mental health, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Make a habit of writing down a few things you’re grateful for each day. You might also notice moments of gratitude throughout the day or write a letter to someone you appreciate.

14. Create a Relaxing Nighttime Routine

A calming routine helps your mind and body wind down — and repeating the same steps each evening can train your brain to prepare for sleep. 

Whether you implement a nightly wind-down ritual or a full self-care night, try a few of these simple activities:

• Put away screens at least 30 minutes before bed
• Dim the lights to signal it's time to relax
• Implement an evening skincare routine
• Do an evening yoga routine
• Read or write in a journal

15. Prioritize Sleep 

National Wellness Month is a great time to get into a good sleep routine because this supports mental health, immune function, and productivity. 

Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. To create better sleep habits, aim for a consistent bedtime, limit caffeine in the afternoon, and create a sleep-friendly environment with less noise and light.

National Wellness Month Activities: Conclusion

Whether you try one or all of these National Wellness Month tips, focus on taking care of yourself in ways that feel doable and sustainable. By carving out time for your well-being this August, you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term mental and physical health.

If you're an employer, you can celebrate National Wellness Month by offering wellness perks like an ergonomic setup, flexible scheduling, and team activities that support health and connection.

Small steps really do add up, and there’s no better time than National Wellness Month to start.