The end of July is a perfect time to pause. Summer may still be in full swing, but August is waiting just around the corner—with its routines, back-to-school prep, and the quiet shift toward fall.
Before that shift happens, give yourself a moment. A deep breath. A chance to reflect, not on what went wrong or what you didn’t do but on what you can still do to take care of yourself.
Rather than setting goals or adding more pressure, try something gentler. Try making three simple promises to yourself. These aren’t lofty resolutions. They’re honest commitments. Small steps that help you move through the last part of summer with more intention, clarity, and peace.
Here are 3 wellness promises you can make before August begins—easy enough to start now, strong enough to carry into the new season.
🌙 1. I Promise to Set Better Sleep Boundaries
Sleep often gets pushed aside during summer—later sunsets, social plans, travel, or even just staying up scrolling. But your body and brain depend on rest, especially when the days are long and full.
This doesn’t mean creating a perfect bedtime routine. It simply means protecting the time and space your body needs to rest.
Try this:
- Set a “screens off” time 30–60 minutes before bed
- Keep your phone out of arm’s reach at night
- Use low lighting in the hour before sleep (lamps, not overhead lights)
- Keep a notepad by your bed for any to-dos that pop into your mind
Why it matters:
Better sleep helps with energy, focus, mood, and even digestion. Most of all, it helps you show up for your life feeling more present and grounded.
📵 2. I Promise to Take One Daily Digital Break
Let’s be real: our phones are always within reach. And while there’s nothing wrong with staying connected, constant input can leave you feeling scattered, tense, or simply drained. It’s easy to lose track of your own thoughts when you’re swimming in everyone else’s.
So here’s a gentle promise: take one intentional break from your screen every day. Just one. It doesn’t have to be long—10 minutes of quiet can shift your whole mindset.
Try this:
- Step outside for a screen-free walk
- Eat one meal a day without your phone
- Use a real alarm clock instead of your phone
- Keep your phone in another room during your break
Why it matters:
Even a short digital break helps you reset mentally and physically. You’ll sleep better, think clearer, and feel more like yourself.
🧡 3. I Promise to Speak Kindly to Myself
This one’s personal—and powerful. It’s a BIG one for me. Negative self talk, especially as I am waking up, can affect my whole day (if I let it).
How we talk to ourselves affects how we move through the world. If your inner voice is always rushing, criticizing, or comparing, it’s hard to feel good—no matter what else is going right.
Make this the season you start softening your inner dialogue.
Try this:
- Start your day with a gentle thought instead of checking your phone
- Write a short affirmation or reminder and place it somewhere visible
- When you mess up or fall short, ask yourself: What would I say to a friend in this moment?
Why it matters:
You don’t need perfection. You need compassion. Kind self-talk lowers stress and builds the confidence to make positive changes in every area of life.
A Gentle Wrap-Up
Before August sweeps you into a new month, take time to root yourself with intention. These three promises aren’t about doing more—they’re about choosing better.
Better rest.
Better boundaries.
Better self-talk.
Small, meaningful changes that bring more peace into your day. And once you start, you may find that these promises are ones you want to keep—not just for August, but all year long.
Reminder: You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to reset. And you’re allowed to care for yourself first.
Suzanne Horrocks 