National Wellness Month: Your Complete Guide to a Healthier, Happier You
- plurefy com
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 25
Every August, the United States celebrates National Wellness Month, a nationwide movement dedicated to promoting health, self-care, and balanced living. It’s a time to pause and reflect on how our daily choices impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Whether you’re looking to improve your diet, find more time for exercise, manage stress better, or simply be more intentional with your self-care routines, National Wellness Month is the perfect opportunity to start.
The idea is simple: small, consistent lifestyle changes lead to big, lasting results. You don’t need a complete life overhaul overnight — you just need to take that first step.
History and Origin
National Wellness Month was launched in 2018 by Live Love Spa, a wellness company committed to inspiring healthier lifestyles. The initiative started as a social media campaign encouraging people to share their self-care goals and healthy habits.
In just a few years, it grew into a national movement supported by health professionals, corporate wellness programs, schools, and community organizations. Today, you’ll find events, challenges, and campaigns across the country, all focused on helping people make wellness a priority.
Why National Wellness Month Matters
America faces a wellness crisis:
76% of adults experience stress that affects their health (American Psychological Association).
6 in 10 adults have a chronic disease — many of which are preventable (CDC).
Only 23% of adults get enough exercise weekly (HHS data).
Wellness isn’t just about avoiding illness — it’s about thriving in all areas of life. By using August as a “reset month,” people can make lasting changes that reduce stress, prevent disease, and improve quality of life.
The 7 Dimensions of Wellness
True wellness is multidimensional. Experts identify seven interconnected areas:
Physical – Staying active, eating well, and getting quality sleep.
Emotional – Managing stress, building resilience, and nurturing a positive mindset.
Intellectual – Challenging your brain through learning, creativity, and problem-solving.
Social – Building meaningful relationships and community connections.
Spiritual – Living with purpose, practicing gratitude, or engaging in faith-based activities.
Occupational – Finding satisfaction in your career while maintaining work-life balance.
Environmental – Creating healthy surroundings and practicing sustainable living.
The State of Wellness in the U.S. – Key Statistics
42% of U.S. adults are obese (CDC).
64% report experiencing work-related stress.
80% want to make healthier lifestyle changes but struggle with consistency.
Americans spend an average of 7+ hours per day on screens, impacting mental health and posture.
These numbers highlight why a month dedicated to wellness is more important than ever.
How to Celebrate National Wellness Month
Personal Wellness Practices
Commit to 10 minutes of daily meditation.
Join a 30-day fitness challenge.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Reduce added sugar intake.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Family & Community Activities
Host a healthy recipe swap night.
Plan weekend hikes or bike rides.
Start a community vegetable garden.
Workplace Wellness Programs
Offer standing desks and ergonomic chairs.
Organize weekly walking meetings.
Provide free healthy snacks and water stations.
Schedule mental health workshops.
Physical Wellness Tips
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
Incorporate strength training twice a week.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule (7–9 hours).
Stay hydrated — 3 liters/day for men, 2.2 liters/day for women.
Mental & Emotional Wellness Tips
Practice deep breathing exercises to reduce anxiety.
Limit social media scrolling to under 1 hour/day.
Seek therapy or counseling when needed — don’t wait for a crisis.
Engage in hobbies: painting, gardening, music.
Nutrition & Healthy Eating
Follow the MyPlate model:
50% fruits & vegetables
25% whole grains
25% lean proteins
Meal prep on Sundays to stay on track.
Limit processed foods and artificial sugars.
Digital Wellness
Take a device-free hour before bed.
Use blue light filters to protect your eyes.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule to prevent eye strain.
Financial Wellness
Create a monthly budget and track spending.
Build an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses.
Reduce high-interest debt.
How Businesses Can Participate
Offer wellness stipends for gym memberships or wellness apps.
Host lunch-and-learn sessions on nutrition and stress management.
Organize charity walks or runs.
Provide mental health days.
National Wellness Month Challenges & Campaign Ideas
30-Day Self-Care Challenge – Different task each day.
Hydration Challenge – Track daily water intake.
Step Count Competition – Who can get the most steps?
Digital Detox Week – Reduce screen time.
Resources & Organizations Supporting Wellness
American Heart Association – Heart health tips & events.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Mental health resources.
Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) – Workplace wellness programs.
Conclusion: Making Wellness a Lifestyle
National Wellness Month isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about building sustainable habits that help you feel better, live longer, and enjoy life more fully. By making small changes in August and keeping them up, you can transform your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
FAQs
When is National Wellness Month? – August each year.
Who started it? – Live Love Spa in 2018.
Do I need special equipment? – No, wellness can start with simple habits.
Can companies host events? – Yes, workplace wellness events are encouraged.
Is it only about physical health? – No, it includes mental, social, and financial health too.
Can kids participate? – Absolutely, healthy habits start young.
How do I start? – Pick 1–2 goals and track progress.
What if I miss a day? – Just start again; progress over perfection.
Are there free resources? – Many wellness organizations offer free guides and challenges.
Can wellness month improve productivity? – Yes, healthy employees are more focused and engaged.
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