National Wellness Month
August 1 - August 31
About National Wellness Month
National Wellness Month takes place every August and encourages people to focus on self-care, healthy routines and sustainable wellbeing habits. It was founded in 2018 by Live Love Spa, a wellness industry company led by chief executive Lisa Michaelis, to shift the conversation around wellness from luxury treat to everyday lifestyle. The month invites individuals, workplaces and brands to commit to small, lasting changes that support physical and mental health.
What is National Wellness Month?
National Wellness Month is a month-long campaign promoting practices that reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. It covers a broad definition of wellness that includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness and emotional health. The observance is aimed at anyone wanting to build healthier habits, as well as at spas, wellness brands and employers who use the month to encourage their communities and staff to prioritise self-care.
When is National Wellness Month?
National Wellness Month runs throughout August, beginning on Saturday, 1 August 2026 and ending on Monday, 31 August 2026. It is an annual observance with fixed dates spanning the entire month, giving people the full thirty-one days to establish and practise new routines.
Why National Wellness Month Matters
Chronic stress is one of the most common health complaints of modern life, and it is linked to problems ranging from poor sleep and weakened immunity to heart disease. Research consistently shows that small, sustainable changes, such as drinking more water, moving regularly, sleeping well and taking time to switch off, have a measurable effect on long-term health. National Wellness Month matters because it reframes self-care as a routine and accessible practice rather than an occasional indulgence, encouraging people to build habits that last well beyond August. It also gives employers a prompt to consider workplace wellbeing, which affects both staff health and productivity.
How to Get Involved in National Wellness Month
The spirit of the month is small, sustainable change rather than dramatic overhaul, so choose a few habits you can realistically keep.
- Take a wellness pledge – Commit to one or two specific habits for the month, such as a daily walk or a consistent bedtime, and track your progress.
- Move your body daily – Build in regular movement, whether that is yoga, swimming, cycling or simply a brisk walk on your lunch break.
- Prioritise sleep – Set a regular sleep schedule and create a wind-down routine that limits screens before bed.
- Stay hydrated – Keep a water bottle to hand and aim to drink steadily through the day rather than relying on caffeine.
- Practise mindfulness – Try a few minutes of meditation, breathing exercises or journaling to manage stress.
- Nourish yourself well – Add more whole foods, fruit and vegetables to your meals and notice how they affect your energy.
- Book a treatment – Since the month was founded by a spa company, a massage or wellness session is very much in keeping with the spirit of August.
- Encourage your workplace – Suggest a wellness challenge, walking meetings or a quiet space at work to help colleagues take part too.
History of National Wellness Month
National Wellness Month was launched in 2018 by Live Love Spa, a company that connects wellness brands with consumers and professionals. Its chief executive, Lisa Michaelis, created the observance to encourage sustainable self-care habits and to bring together a community passionate about wellbeing.
The idea grew out of a desire to move the wellness conversation away from the notion that self-care is a luxury reserved for special occasions. By choosing a whole month and pairing it with a wellness pledge, the founders aimed to make healthy habits feel achievable and ongoing rather than indulgent and rare.
Since its launch, National Wellness Month has grown from a curated calendar and pledge into a broad annual movement. It is now supported by spas, wellness brands, hotels, retailers and other businesses that use August to promote healthy living, demonstrating how quickly the idea resonated across the wider wellness industry.
Noteworthy Facts About National Wellness Month
- National Wellness Month was founded in 2018 by Live Love Spa under chief executive Lisa Michaelis.
- It was created specifically to reframe wellness as a sustainable lifestyle rather than an occasional luxury.
- The observance centres on a wellness pledge, encouraging participants to commit to specific habits.
- It has been embraced by hotels, spas, retailers and other brands as an annual wellbeing campaign.
- August was chosen partly as a late-summer reset before the busier autumn months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Wellness Month?
It is an August observance encouraging self-care and sustainable healthy habits, founded in 2018 by the wellness company Live Love Spa.
When is National Wellness Month in 2026?
National Wellness Month runs for the whole of August 2026, from Saturday 1 August to Monday 31 August.
Who founded National Wellness Month?
It was founded by Live Love Spa in 2018, created by the company’s chief executive, Lisa Michaelis, to promote sustainable wellbeing habits.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Wellness Month with your friends, family and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalWellnessMonth and #NationalWellnessMonth2026 on social media. The more people who commit to small, healthy changes, the bigger the impact. If you value taking time for yourself, you might also like International Self-Care Day, which falls just before the month begins.
Related Awareness Days
- International Self-Care Day – A global day dedicated to looking after your own health and wellbeing.
- Aromatherapy Awareness Week – Focuses on essential oils and relaxation as part of self-care.
- World Reflexology Week – Highlights a complementary therapy popular within the wellness community.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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