National Relaxation Day

National Relaxation Day is celebrated each year on August 15. This caught my attention because while we are pretty good at scheduling days to work on important projects and appointments, we are not usually so good at scheduling time to relax.

I’m always interested in where these special days originate. For this day Sean Moeller founded National Relaxation Day in 1985 as a fourth grader.  Sean’s Grandfather created Chase’s Calendar of Events in 1957. This calendar was an annual publication that included a variety of celebratory traditions. Part of the benefit of being one of Bill Chase’s Grandkids was that he got to make up a holiday.  So, Sean felt that the world needed to relax more. He was quoted by the Des Moines Register as saying, “People don’t think enough about relaxing. They think too much about working, and that’s not good because if you work too hard, then you can get a fever or get run-down and maybe even get sick.”

Others must have agreed with Sean because here we are 33 years later still celebrating this special day.

National Relaxation Day reminds us to slow down and unwind. It is a day to focus on taking care of ourselves and what we need to do in order to just relax.

My husband and I used to schedule two days a month as “our days”. During those scheduled days we cleared our calendars and just did whatever we wanted to do together. It was a way of taking care of ourselves and our relationship. These were our relaxation days. I need to go back to this scheduled relaxation time.

We know that stress can be harmful to our health and that finding ways to relax and reduce stress will improve our overall health.

Is it time for you to schedule some relaxations times?

What activities help you relax?

·        Yoga

·        Meditation

·        Massage

·        Getting a pedi/mani

·        Listening to music

·        Painting

·        Cross stitch

·        Knitting

·        Walking in nature

·        Gardening

·        Swimming

·        Dancing

·        Watching a fun movie

·        Reading

·        Going to the beach

·        Go on a road trip

·        Bird watching

·        Taking a nap

What works as relaxation for one person may not be at all relaxing for another. For example, I know that my friend Diane Quintana does needlepoint to relax. That would be stressful for me. I find reading, sitting out on my deck, or going to the beach relaxing.

The rule for this day is to avoid doing anything stressful.

National Relaxation Day is August 15 but that does not mean you only relax on that one day. This year that day falls on a Friday and I don’t expect that day will be a relaxation day for me. But for me that day will be a reminder to schedule a couple of relaxation days each month.

If you are ready to work on using your calendar to schedule self-time or on any other specific organizing project and want some tips, encouragement, or accountability join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You virtual clutter support group. You could complete a small project or set up an organizing plan during the call. The group will offer ideas, support, and gentle accountability for working on developing plans or projects.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.