The August Reset: Slow Down and Get Some Sun
In the heart of summer, when the pace of life tends to speed up, there is real value in doing the opposite. August is an opportunity to slow down—not as an indulgence, but as a deliberate act of care for your body and mind.
Slowing down and reconnecting with sunlight are two of the simplest, most overlooked wellness practices. Yet both are foundational for long-term health and balance.
The Benefits of Slowing Down
Constant stimulation and pressure to be productive can leave the nervous system in a near-constant state of sympathetic activation—also known as fight or flight mode. Over time, this leads to elevated cortisol, disrupted sleep, poor digestion, and chronic inflammation.
When you slow down, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. This state—rest and digest—is where the body repairs, regulates hormones, and builds resilience.
Even brief pauses throughout the day, like sitting quietly outside or eating a meal without distraction, can shift your physiology. Research has shown that mindful rest improves heart rate variability, lowers blood pressure, and supports emotional regulation. In short, slowing down is not a luxury. It's biology.
Sunlight as a Daily Ritual
Our bodies are designed to live in relationship with the sun. Moderate exposure to natural light helps regulate everything from sleep to hormone function. One of the primary ways it does this is through vitamin D synthesis.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in:
- Supporting immune function
- Balancing mood and mental health
- Regulating calcium for bone strength
- Modulating inflammation and metabolic health
Most people need about 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun exposure a few times a week, depending on skin tone and geographic location. Morning light exposure is also critical for setting circadian rhythms, helping the body produce melatonin in the evening for restful sleep.
In addition to vitamin D, sunlight prompts the release of nitric oxide, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
The August Wellness Checklist
Think of this month as a gentle invitation to realign. Not with a long to-do list or rigid protocol, but through small, consistent shifts.
Here’s a simple checklist to guide your August reset:
[ ] Get 15 minutes of morning sunlight daily without sunglasses
[ ] Take a phone-free walk outside once a day
[ ] Eat at least one meal outdoors each week
[ ] Practice doing one thing at a time—especially during meals
[ ] Take one day this month to fully unplug and rest
[ ] Choose food that supports your body’s natural rhythm
If cooking feels like a chore this season, let Salt + Soil nourish you. Our meals are designed to support health, not complicate it.
Sources:
- Holick, M.F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266–281.
- Ottaviani, C. et al. (2015). Physiological concomitants of mind wandering. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 302.
- Weller, R.B. et al. (2020). The health benefits of UV radiation exposure through vitamin D production or non-vitamin D pathways. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5883.
