The August Mood Board: Why You Are Both Restless and Tired Right Now and What to Do About It
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You know that feeling when you want to rearrange your entire living room, quit your job, start a side hustle, join a Pilates studio, and take a three-hour nap, all before lunch? Welcome to August. The month where we crave transformation but are also very committed to our couch.
The thing is, this is not just you being “dramatic” (although we fully support drama as a personality trait). There is a reason your August mood is a little contradictory. Let’s break it down and find some ways to make peace with it.
Why August Feels Weird: The Science and the Sass
1. Seasonal Energy Shift is Real
Late summer does something funny to our brains. Days are still long, but they are getting shorter. There is a subtle sense of “time is running out” that kicks your restless side into high gear. Combine that with heat fatigue, and you are living in a constant state of “let’s go” and “let’s not” at the same time.
Pro tip: This is the perfect season for the dual outfit — something cute enough to wear for last-minute drinks but comfy enough for lying horizontally in front of a fan. (Might I suggest a slouchy Dual Threads sweatshirt? Light enough for summer AC chills, soft enough for emotional support purposes.)
2. Cultural “Reset” Pressure
August carries the quiet hum of the impending September reset. We have been conditioned since school days to see it as a fresh start. So while you are still sipping iced lattes in your favorite acrylic tumbler, your brain is whispering “Shouldn’t you be planning your life right now?”
Here is the truth: planning is great, but so is letting yourself marinate in the moment. If your “reset” this year is simply swapping your chaotic tote bag for one that can actually close, you are already ahead.
3. Social Media Whiplash
Half your feed is vacation pics, the other half is early Halloween decor. The mixed messaging is exhausting. And if you have been stuck in the “Why am I not in Italy right now?” spiral, know that your August experience is valid, whether you are in Amalfi or aisle 12 at Target.
How to Survive (and Maybe Even Enjoy) the August Duality
Give Yourself Permission to Be In-Between
This month does not require a full reinvention. Sometimes, the best move is to keep your routines light, your plans flexible, and your expectations minimal.
Build a Tiny Joy List
Instead of overhauling your life, add micro-moments that make you feel grounded. A 10-minute walk before dinner. A playlist that screams summer. A wine tumbler on the patio at golden hour.
Declutter One Thing (and Stop There)
Your brain wants change, but your body wants rest. Meet in the middle by tackling one small project: reorganizing your makeup bag, swapping out your journal for a fresh one, or finally removing the receipts from your tote.
FAQ: Your August Mood, Explained
Q: Why am I so tired but cannot stop wanting to start new things?
A: Seasonal transitions trick your brain into thinking change is urgent while your body is still in summer slowdown mode. It is like hitting the gas and the brakes at the same time.
Q: Should I make big decisions right now?
A: Only if you are confident, hydrated, and not currently hangry. Otherwise, save it for September-you.
Q: What is the best way to reset my mood?
A: Change one small thing: a new mug for your morning coffee, a different walking route, or switching from emails to an actual paper notebook.
Q: Is this mood going to last forever?
A: No. By mid-September, you will either be riding the fresh-start wave or ignoring it entirely. Either is fine.
The Takeaway: Restless and Tired is Still Living
If August is a mood board, it has a little wanderlust, a little burnout, and a lot of iced coffee. It is okay to not pick one feeling. You are allowed to be both.
If you need a little help embracing the duality, we have you covered, literally. Our sweatshirts, wine tumblers, and journals are ready for whatever your August energy decides to be today.