Welcome to August – the month where time melts, your iced coffee budget becomes a line of credit and your grip on reality is…slipping. If you're wondering how to survive August burnout without spiraling into chaos, you’re not alone.
It’s too hot to function, too loud to think and everyone’s asking you what your fall goals are like this isn’t the emotional equivalent of crawling across a cracked sidewalk in Crocs. If you’re one minor inconvenience away from yeeting your entire life into the sun: 👋🏽 hi, same. Here's how to mentally survive August (without starting over in the woods).
P.S. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy something, I might earn a small commission – which goes directly toward iced coffee, magnesium spray and whatever else is keeping me emotionally upright this August. Thank you for supporting this feral little blog.
💦 1. Accept That You’re in Your Feral Era
You’re not lazy. You’re Augusting. It definitely can be a hard hit to one's mentality without even realizing. Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall. Ugh.
It’s that special time of year when even basic tasks feel personal. Laundry? Offensive. Grocery shopping? A hostage situation. The sun? Out for blood.
The bar is low, and that’s okay. You’re not trying to thrive – you’re trying to emotionally hydrate. Let it happen!
🧊 2. Prioritize Cold Beverages and Lower Expectations
Water counts. Iced coffee counts. A chilled electrolyte drink you’ll forget to finish? Also counts!
Keep cold things close and expectations closer to the floor. Hydration and mediocrity are the pillars of August success. Bonus if your beverage is in one of those “emotional support tumblers” that makes you feel like you have your life together (even though you don’t, and that’s fine because like really…who does??)
🛒 3. Simplify Your Life Like You’re a Sims Character
You get one outfit. One meal on loop. One errand a week, max.
Simplicity is sanity right now. If your to-do list looks like a CVS receipt, light it on fire (metaphorically of course – we’re trying not to burn anything down, remember?). Pick three things that actually matter. Everything else is a future-you problem. Don't look back, don't look forward. Focus on today.
🔥 4. Embrace Your Chaotic Corners
Let one area of your life be fully unhinged.
Your junk drawer? Fine. Your budget? Fine(ish). Your nightstand that looks like a haunted apothecary? Also fine and also kind of eclectic and fun.
I promise, you’re not failing – you’re containing the chaos. Controlled mess is better than a full shutdown. Everything can wait while we mentally rest.
🧘♀️ 5. Do the Bare Minimum Self-Care
You don’t need a 47-step wellness routine, a drawer full of whatever Tik Tok influencer is trying to sell you today from a sponsored ad, or even one of those mini fridges (cool yes, necessary…absolutely not). What you do need:
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A fan that feels like God’s breath
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A magnesium spray that smells like hope and relaxation. Not to be dramatic, but Ancient Minerals (and Promise Organic Arnica) saved my entire summer when my neck started acting like it had a personal vendetta 👹
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A scalp massager and a great replenishing detox shampoo/conditioner combo to remind you you’re alive (and beautiful!)
Self-care in August is about survival, not sparkle. If it helps you not scream into the void, it definitely all counts.
📆 6. Plan One Thing to Look Forward To (Even If You Think It's Dumb)
A new show or mini-series. A PSL launch (a huge hit for a late August rush). A $12 candle you don’t need (but maybe you do 🥹)
Joy doesn’t have to be practical – it just has to show up. And remember, your joy doesn't have to spark someone elses. Sprinkle a few tiny “reasons to not combust” into your week and call it a dopamine hit management plan. Or better yet, grab this End of Summer Bucket List and knock out a few fun (and laid-back) things before fall hits like a seasonal depression truck.
🎭 7. Emotional Containment Protocols
Say no. Take your PTO. Log off without explaining.
Not everyone deserves access to your limited brain cells right now. Set boundaries like your sanity depends on it (because it kinda does). You can be kind and unavailable at the same time.
See me online.. No you don't. PUH-LEASE just let me scroll in peace. 
You’re not broken ~ you’re just mentally sunburned and spiritually dehydrated. August is weird. But we can be weirder hehe. That’s our summer-end super power.
No need to reinvent your whole life right now, set routines or get bent out of shape. Keep the fire metaphorical and your iced coffee icy cold. You’ve got this!!