Let August be August

Thank you to Mamaroneck Living for publishing this article in their August 2026 edition.

August 2026 Let August be August.pdf

Download PDF • 875KB

Like the “Sunday scaries,” August can be hard to enjoy. If your mind is already focused on what’s next instead of what’s here, you’re not alone.

Try one, two, or all three of these quick techniques to build your capacity to savor summer. Each takes only a few minutes and uses simple neuroscience to pull you out of your head and into the moment.

THREE SIMPLE STRATEGIES:

1. Count 10 cycles of breath before you get out of bed in the morning.

Small morning routines act like “keystone habits” influencing everything that follows. For example, research shows that when people jog in the morning, they eat healthier for the rest of the day. Similarly, taking ten calm breaths before you reach for your phone or dive into your to-do list sets you up to be more present and tuned in for the rest of your day.

2. Feel your feet on the floor while you brush your teeth.

While our minds time-travel to the past and the future, our bodies are always in the here and now. Focusing on the physical sensation literally gets us out of our heads and into the present moment. And, just like anything else – sports, instruments, etc. – the more we practice, the better we get. Simply practicing being present and embodied for the two minutes it takes to brush your teeth each morning and night can go a long way toward developing the habit of being present in your life throughout the day.

3. Write down six things you noticed during the day.

This one is my favorite – and is so easy! Literally write down any 6 things you noticed during the day. These could be a pigeon out the window, wind in the trees, or the sound of a train going by. Your brain likes assignments. When it knows that it will need to report on six things, it will become more observant, so that you start noticing your life as it happens. These small mindfulness “hacks” help you be more present—and the more present you are, the more you’ll be able to savor your life as you're living it. Don’t let thoughts of the past or future steal your summer. Try these tricks and enjoy August as it is.

These small mindfulness “hacks” help you be more present—and the more present you are, the more you’ll be able to savor your life as you're living it. Don’t let thoughts of the past or future steal your summer. Try these tricks and enjoy August as it is.

Thank you Mamaroneck Living for publishing this article!