As August winds down, it’s hard to ignore that shift in the air. I felt that shift today.
The days are getting shorter, we are thinking about back to school, and that familiar late August panic sets in: “Summer is almost over… did we actually do anything?”
We spend all year waiting for these warm months, putting absurd pressure on ourselves to pull off the ultimate, unforgettable summer. But when the end approaches, guilt creeps in.
We’re also quick to yell at our kids or younger coworkers to "go touch grass" whenever they’ve spent too many hours glued to a screen or spiraling over online noise. It’s our favourite modern way of saying get outside, ground yourself, and reconnect with reality.
But let’s be honest: When was the last time you actually touched grass?
How often are we hypocritically doom scrolling on the patio, checking work emails at the beach, or letting seasonal anxiety steal our focus while telling everyone else to step away from their devices? Making the rest of summer count isn't about rushing to complete a last minute bucket list, it's about actually being present for it.
Drop the Bucket List Guilt. If you spent most of July on the couch, catching up on sleep, or just surviving the daily grind, that counts as a valid summer. Rest isn't wasted time. Holding onto guilt over missed camping trips or unvisited beaches only steals the joy from the warm days you have left. Cross off the impossible expectations and focus on what feels good right now.
Literally (and Figuratively) Touch Grass! You don't need a massive end-of-season vacation to reset your brain. Ditch the phone for 15 minutes and try a micro-dose of genuine grounding:
- Kick off your shoes and put your bare feet directly on the lawn.
- Drink your morning coffee outside before checking your notifications.
- Catch a quick evening sunset walk without listening to a podcast or checking texts.
- Eat dinner outside and actually pay attention to the warm breeze instead of a screen.
Shift Your Mindset for Fall. The end of August isn't the end of joy. September brings a slower, grounding pace, cooler nights, and fresh routines. Instead of treating autumn like the end of freedom, start picking out a few small things to look forward to whether that’s a new project, a cozy routine, or reconnecting with friends.
The End of Season Check Up Take five minutes today to check in from the neck up:
- Am I practicing the mental health habits I preach to others?
- What digital noise or unneeded stress can I log out of this week?
- What is one simple way I can get outside and be fully present today?
You don't need a picture perfect finale to have a meaningful summer. Put the phone down, step outside, put your feet in the grass, and soak up the sunshine while it's here.
Mental health struggles often show up quietly. It could be irritability, withdrawal, a change in sleep or drinking habits. If you notice something seems off with a friend or co-worker, don’t brush it off. Ask. Listen. And if needed, suggest they check out a resource like Mental Health and Addictions Nova Scotia. It’s free, anonymous, and available 24/7.
Mental health isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a community one. And around here, we’ve always looked out for each other.
At 107.9 Go Rock, we’re encouraging everyone to keep those chats going, and to make space for what really matters.
