Learn more fun facts on the National Relaxation Day Video Page.
- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- Activities
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every August 15
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧘
National Relaxation Day invites everyone to pause and unwind every August 15. In our fast-paced world, taking a deliberate break is crucial for mental and physical well-being. Prioritize self-care, unplug from technology, and indulge in activities that truly rejuvenate you.
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Expected National Relaxation Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Relaxation Day often brings deals on self-care products and experiences. Look for discounts from brands like Bath & Body Works on aromatherapy and lotions, or special offers from Massage Envy for spa treatments. Retailers such as Target and Amazon might feature sales on cozy blankets, books, and home comfort items. Additionally, local yoga studios like CorePower Yoga and meditation apps such as Calm often provide introductory offers or free trials. Even travel sites like Expedia could highlight last-minute weekend getaways. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 15 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Relaxation Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalRelaxationDay. Share photos or Reels of your favorite ways to unwind, from reading a book to a peaceful nature walk.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalRelaxationDay. Create short videos showcasing quick relaxation tips, calming routines, or funny ‘before and after’ stress relief moments.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalRelaxationDay. Ask your community to share their top relaxation hacks or favorite local spots for unwinding.
National Relaxation Day Hero
Dr. Herbert Benson
History of National Relaxation Day
National Relaxation Day is celebrated annually on August 15. We thought an adult would have pitched the idea for this holiday, but it was actually Michigan-based Sean Moeller who thought of this day in 1985 when he was nine years old! With an idea like this, we are sure he must have gone on to do many other great things in life.
National Relaxation Day is not to be confused with another similar holiday — National Slacker Day. The latter was founded in Britain as a complementary holiday to National Relaxation Day. From 2016 onwards, Moeller has also selected one individual every year who sets an exemplary example for relaxation.
National Relaxation Day advocates chilling out and promotes stress relief through meditation and other relaxation techniques. Managing stress requires relaxation, which leads to a clearer and calmer mind. Relaxation also breeds positivity and better concentration. The hustle and bustle of the daily grind leaves most of us on the verge of burnout, and there just never seems to be enough time to just kick back and relax. Those with a busy schedule look forward to Relaxation Day, even if it’s just to get some headspace.
The rule of the day is to avoid doing anything stressful. This is important. Playing video games can be a relaxing activity, but if the video game you are playing is one where you get frustrated, it’s probably not a good idea. A better idea is to spend the day lying in a hammock.
National Relaxation Day timeline
The idea of relaxation is strengthened when Dr. Edmund Jacobson publishes his medical book, “Progressive Relaxation.”
Ferris Bueller takes it easy and skips school in the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Alex Carswell patents the modern stress ball.
Mika releases his hit single ‘Relax, Take It Easy.’
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Relaxation Day
Local businesses can embrace National Relaxation Day by offering special promotions or services designed to help customers de-stress. Spas and wellness centers might provide discounted massages or facial packages, while coffee shops could feature calming herbal teas or quiet zones. Retailers could curate ‘relaxation kits’ with items like scented candles, bath bombs, and comfortable loungewear. Encourage employees to take short, mindful breaks throughout the day, perhaps with a designated quiet space or a brief guided meditation session.
National Relaxation Day FAQs
When is National Relaxation Day?
National Relaxation Day 2026 falls on Saturday, August 15. It’s the perfect mid-summer opportunity to pause and recharge before the busy fall season begins.
Who created National Relaxation Day?
National Relaxation Day was reportedly created in 1985 by a then-nine-year-old boy named Sean Moeller from Clio, Michigan, who believed everyone needed a day to relax and do nothing.
How many people feel stressed in the US?
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2025 ‘Stress in America’ survey, approximately 77% of adults reported experiencing physical symptoms of stress, highlighting a widespread need for relaxation.
What are some popular ways to relax?
Popular relaxation methods include reading, listening to music, taking a warm bath, practicing meditation or yoga, spending time in nature, or engaging in a favorite hobby. The key is to find activities that genuinely reduce stress.
National Relaxation Day Activities
Discover a more laid-back activity
Ever try yoga or meditation? They're both great ways to relax, but if they're a bit too exotic for you, try a different form of light exercise.
Help someone else relax
If you're stress-free, someone close to you could probably use some help reaching the same state of mental peace. If they've got a lot on their plate, consider taking on some of their least-liked tasks to help lighten the load.
Make a relaxation schedule
It might seem counterintuitive, but for many busy people, the only way to ensure that you've got time to relax is to commit to a schedule. Schedule your chill time just like any other appointment. Before you know it, relaxation will become a part of your daily routine.
5 Stress-Busting Facts About Relaxing
Relaxing is healthy
Your breathing pattern and oxygen levels are affected by stress — relaxing and doing breathing exercises help circulate more oxygen into your bloodstream and have major health benefits.
Music soothes us
For many people, simply listening to calm music is enough to lower stress levels.
Put ‘relax’ on your to-do list
A study reported that 40% of people don’t take out time for relaxing, while 45% of people just don’t know how to relax.
There are types to it
Relaxation is classified under three categories: physical, mental, and transcendental.
Relax, but focus.
Just a minute or two of relaxing between tasks results in increased focus and concentration.
Why We Love National Relaxation Day
It boosts your mood
Stress is a killer and it can wreak havoc on your state of mind. Relaxation is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood.
Get a good night's rest
Life can get intense. If your day has you feeling nervous, anxious or fearful, sometimes it's hard to fall asleep. Take some time to relax before bed with a glass of milk, a good book or some chamomile tea. Your body will thank you for it in the morning.
It keeps you healthy
Illness is significantly more common when you're under stress. By getting your chill on, you're also reducing trips to the doctor's office.
Social Media Tips for National Relaxation Day
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