The August Reset: Looking Up Instead of Down

As we turn the calendar to August, it's hard to believe summer is already beginning to wind down. Before long, kids will be heading back to school, vacations will come to an end, routines will return, and calendars will become even more full than during summer.

This month's challenge from Dr. Jen Ashton isn't about nutrition or exercise, it's about something many of us rarely think twice about: our phones.

Like many of us, Jen realized that while technology makes life easier, it can also quietly consume our attention. Checking notifications, scrolling social media, answering emails, reading the news, or simply picking up our phones out of habit can add up to hours every day.

Her August challenge encourages us to become more intentional about when, and why, we reach for our devices.

That message really resonated with me.

Over the past couple of months, life has been wonderfully full. Between moving, starting a new position, spending time with family and friends, and simply enjoying summer, I've naturally found myself spending less time on social media. Surprisingly, I haven't missed it nearly as much as I thought I would.

Instead, I've been reminded of something important:

The best moments usually aren't happening on our screens. They're happening right in front of us.

What the Science Says

Research continues to show that excessive screen time, especially endless scrolling, and constant notifications, can increase stress, contribute to anxiety, interrupt sleep, reduce our ability to focus, and even leave us feeling less connected despite being more "connected" than ever.

Our brains weren't designed to process a constant stream of information all day long.

Creating intentional breaks from technology gives our minds an opportunity to reset. Many people notice they feel calmer, more present, more productive, and even happier after limiting unnecessary screen time.

It's not about eliminating technology.

It's about making technology work for us instead of the other way around.

A Few Ideas to Try This Month

You don't have to do a complete digital detox. Small changes often make the biggest difference.

Try one or two of these ideas:

• Keep your phone off the dinner table.
• Leave it in another room while reading or watching a movie.
• Take your next walk without checking notifications.
• Resist the urge to photograph every moment of your next vacation—simply experience it.
• Turn off non-essential notifications.
• Set aside 30-60 minutes each evening as "phone-free" time.

You may be surprised how refreshing it feels.

Building Relationships, Not Just Followers

One thing I've learned while building Clean Beauty Matters is that meaningful relationships have never required endless scrolling.

Most of my business has grown through conversations, emails, coffee meetings, community events, referrals, and these monthly blogs. Those one-on-one connections have always meant more to me than trying to keep up with every social media trend.

Social media certainly has its place, but genuine relationships will always matter more than algorithms.

Healthy Living Is About Balance

We often think of wellness as eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, or drinking enough water (as well as using clean products! )

But mental wellness deserves just as much attention.

Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do isn't adding another supplement or workout, it's simply putting the phone down and fully enjoying the people and moments around us.

As summer ends, I hope you'll join me in this month's challenge.

Look up a little more.

Scroll a little less.

Create memories that don't need a filter.

Because the best parts of life are rarely found on a screen.

Here's to a healthier, more present August

Live Well with Angela

x/o

Angela