I know, I know: It feels like Brat Summer is just beginning. But all these back-to-school displays everywhere suggest that the days of Popsicles, flotation devices, and sneaking out of work early on Friday to watch are over. Twisters are coming to an end. The good news is that there is still plenty to enjoy this month, from exciting sporting events (the Olympics, Paralympics and US Open) to amazing food holidays. And since old habits die hard, that energy you need for teaching might inspire you to get back to peak performance when it comes to life goals you neglected over the summer. Here’s how to get started…
🧖♀️ Relax, buddy. August 15th is International Relaxation Day. Do you get the day off? No. Should you take the day off? Maybe. In any case, set a goal to schedule some rest and relaxation – whether that means booking a massage after work, eating lunch out instead of answering emails at your desk, or putting off housework and just relaxing at home with a movie.
💉 Roll up your sleeves. COVID-19, flu, RSV, MMR, Tdap… There are a lot of vaccinations, and you may not remember which ones you got, when you got them, and how long they’re effective for (in the case of Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, for example, adults should get a booster shot about every 10 years). Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, take a moment to review your health records and talk to your primary care doctor about any overdue (or forgotten) vaccinations you may need.
🍽️ Place zucchini on your plate. Believe it or not, there’s actually a national “sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor’s porch” day, and it falls on August 8. The idea behind it is that gardeners have so much of these abundant fruits and vegetables that they have to share to get rid of it all. The good news is that you don’t need a green thumb (or a neighbor you actually know) to join in. Whether from the garden or the grocery store, zucchini are a nutrient-dense summer squash that’s good for your diet (and good for digestion, thanks to their water and fiber content). If you’re still in shock from the zoodles craze of the early 2010s, fear not: Zucchinis taste great simply sliced and roasted with a little olive (or avocado) oil, salt, and pepper, or you can fire up the grill and top savory zucchini boats with panko breadcrumbs and goat cheese.
⛳ tee off. It’s National Golf Month! If you’ve never hit the green (or your local mini golf course), you’re missing out on plenty of health benefits for you and your health. Here are some tips to get you started, inspired by Scottie Scheffler’s recent performance that earned him a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
🎒 Let yourself be infected by the back-to-school spirit. For many kids, school will soon be back in session. And while your own school days may be a distant memory, there’s something appealing about using this time to refocus and recharge after (let’s face it) slacking off a bit over the summer. What are your goals for the rest of the year? Is there a new skill you want to learn or a project you want to tackle? Treat yourself to a new journal (and maybe some No. 2 pencils?) and write it down.
🦪 Start peeling – but safely. If you’re craving bivalve molluscs, you’re in luck: August 5 is National Oyster Day. Yet while oysters have a lot going for them — they’re a great source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids — they can also cause foodborne illness if eaten raw. Want to slurp safely? Experts recommend ordering oysters from trusted retailers and restaurants, only opening those with the shell intact and considering cooked alternatives (oyster stew, anyone?), especially if you’re immunocompromised.
🤱🏽 Be a breastfeeding ally. August is National Breastfeeding Month, and here’s why you should be thinking about it even if you don’t have a baby (or breasts): While the merits of formula, fed is best, and breastfeeding are debated, we can all agree that moms shouldn’t have to struggle so much to feed their hungry children. How can you help? Advocate for clean, private nursing and pumping rooms at your workplace. Cover for your breastfeeding coworker, friend, etc. if they need a break to pump in peace. Keep your unsolicited advice about weaning to yourself. And for heaven’s sake, don’t mom-shame, stare, or cringe when you see someone breastfeeding in public.
🍑 Take a peach. The ’90s rockers and presidents of the United States of America had the right idea: “If it were up to me, I’d eat peaches every day.” But if you can only pick one day, make it August 22, also known as Eat a Peach Day. Of course, peaches taste great, but they’re also healthy—they help with digestion, eye health, your daily vitamin C intake, and more. You can’t go wrong with a fresh, juicy peach fresh from the market, but if you want to whip up something really special, you’ll find recipe inspiration here (peach and arugula salad, perhaps?).
😷 Be aware of COVID. Unfortunately, COVID-19 doesn’t seem to have taken a break this summer. Case numbers are rising, and every day seems to bring a new text from a friend who just tested positive after returning from vacation or a summer get-together. If you feel like the walls are closing in, consider following expert advice on wearing masks and other ways to protect yourself.
🧺 Eat outside. Did you know there’s a whole day dedicated to eating outdoors? On August 31st, bring a picnic blanket, wipe down the garden furniture or book an outdoor table at your favourite restaurant. Research shows that eating outdoors has mental and physical benefits: diners feel more relaxed and are more likely to choose healthier foods.
☕ Drink a cup of coffee: Rejoice, coffee lovers: August is National Coffee Month! And if you’re feeling guilty about your daily caffeine fix, stop. In moderation—that is, not a constant rush of cold brew that keeps you up all night, and maybe not that mocha latte with extra whipped cream and sprinkles—coffee is actually pretty healthy. It keeps your mind sharp, helps prevent a number of diseases, including certain cancers and type 2 diabetes, and is packed with antioxidants. We’re raising our cup to that. (FYI: The Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, though some people are more sensitive to the stimulant and should drink less.)
🎾 Make some noise. If challenger and the current tenniscore hype hasn’t made you fall in love with tennis, maybe the US Open, which begins August 26, will? If you’re looking for a heart-pounding workout that builds muscle and promotes bone health, consider picking up a racquet yourself (and following these expert tips to avoid injury in the process). Your pickleball buddies will understand.
🚨 Consider including Narcan in your first aid kit. Maybe it’s unthinkable that you or a loved one could ever suffer a drug overdose — but they do happen, as do (often fatal) accidental exposures to fentanyl. Last year, Narcan — the brand-name nasal spray form of naloxone that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose — became available over the counter. Experts say it could save a life in an emergency, and schools, public libraries and select airlines, among others, stock it. Since International Overdose Awareness Day falls on August 31, it’s worth stopping by your local pharmacy or grocery store and adding it to your first aid kit.
