Feeling Drained This August? 5 Natural Ways to Reboot Your Brain & Body

Because iced coffee isn’t cutting it anymore.

Summer burnout is real, especially in August. The sun’s still blazing, but the countdown to cooler weather and fall routines has already begun.

Back-to-school chaos is creeping into schedules. Sunsets are arriving earlier. Pumpkin spice ads are popping up everywhere.

The pressure to make the most of what’s left of summer—on top of these seasonal shifts—can leave you feeling:

• Mentally foggy

• Emotionally drained

• Physically exhausted

But here’s the good news:
You can restore your energy, focus, and mood without overhauling your life. Below are five science-backed ways to help you recharge, naturally.

1. Reboot Your Brain with Stillness

If your mind feels scattered—jumping between work projects, family needs, and the growing list of things to wrap up before summer ends—you’re not alone. As August winds down, mental clutter can creep in and leave you feeling stretched thin. 

Taking intentional pauses for mental stillness—not filling every quiet moment with mindless scrolling or background podcasts—has been shown to restore executive function and refresh the brain pathways that help you think clearly, plan ahead, and stay focused [1].

Try This Today:

• Begin your morning screen-free — 20 minutes of focused work before emails or chores

• Skip earbuds on your walk — notice the warm air, changing light, and your breathing

• Single-task at lunch — no phone calls or news, just mindful eating

• Wait an hour before checking messages — set your mind’s pace for the day

• Use the Pomodoro method — 25 minutes focus + 5 minutes rest

• End the day with quiet — 10 minutes, no TV or music, to help you fall asleep easier

💡 Your Supplement Sidekick:

Lion’s Mane is a nootropic mushroom valued for centuries in traditional wellness practices. Research shows it supports your brain’s ability to stay sharp, focused, and resilient under stress by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF)—a protein essential for memory, learning, and long-term brain health [2,3,4].

Unlike caffeine, Lion’s Mane won’t give you the jitters or cause a crash. Instead, it promotes clear thinking, steady energy, and mental stamina—perfect for the busy transition from summer to fall.

2. Wind Down with Intention to Support Mood & Sleep

Burnout doesn’t always manifest as physical exhaustion. Sometimes, it’s shorter patience, racing thoughts at bedtime, or the way small irritations seem bigger than they should. 

Your body can stay stuck in “on” mode—especially when evenings are still busy or the to-do list feels never-ending. To break the cycle, your nervous system needs true signals of safety and calm, not just another TV binge before bed.

Try This Today:

• Write down 3 gratitudes before bed—focus on moments, not just accomplishments

• Swap scrolling for a warm shower or bath — helps body temperature drop for sleep

• Practice 4-7-8 breathing for 2 minutes to slow your heart rate

• Sip calming herbal tea like chamomile or lemon balm

• Dim lights 90 minutes before bed to cue melatonin production

• Stretch gently for 5 minutes with soft music or silence

💡 Your Supplement Sidekick:

Saffron—the “golden spice”—influences serotonin and dopamine to support emotional balance, stress reduction, and a positive outlook [5].

Our formula uses Satiereal® Saffron Extract, a clinically studied form that supports mood, fights back against emotional snacking, and promotes appetite control. Unlike stimulants, it works with your body to create a steady, calm state for better rest [5,6,7].

3. Fuel Your Cells with Balanced Nutrition

Sluggish by mid-afternoon? Brain fog creeping in before lunch? Often, it’s not just the heat or a busy schedule—it’s underfueling. During summer, when routines are looser and meals get skipped, your body can run low on the steady nutrients it needs to stay alert and energized.

Your brain and body rely on consistent nutrition—especially B vitamins—to produce cellular energy (ATP), support neurotransmitters, and maintain nervous system balance [8]. Without them, you’re more likely to experience energy dips, mood shifts, and reduced focus.

Try This Today:

• Protein-fat-fiber breakfast — e.g., eggs, avocado, berries

• Leafy greens or beans for natural B vitamin support

• Energy snacks — hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, apple + nut butter

• Don’t skip meals before 2 p.m. to avoid fatigue

• Add nutritional yeast to salads or popcorn for extra B12

• Limit ultra-processed foods that drain energy

💡 Your Supplement Sidekick:

Vitamin B Complex contains all eight B vitamins, including B1, B6, B12, and folate, to:

• Convert food into energy

• Support brain function

• Regulate mood

Stress, diet, medications, and age can deplete these vitamins—especially B12 and folate—leading to fatigue, brain fog, and low motivation [8,9,10]. Our methylated (active) forms ensure better absorption so your body can use them right away.

4. Build Burnout Resistance with Micro-Routines

When life feels overloaded, overhauling your wellness routine can seem impossible. That’s where micro-habits come in—tiny, repeatable actions that steadily help lower cortisol and build calm, sustainable energy over time [11].

Try This Today:

• 2 minutes of box breathing — inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 to lower stress

• Stand in natural light within an hour of waking to support your body’s energy clock

• Batch small tasks to reduce decision fatigue and free up mental space

• Write a “done” list at the end of the day to celebrate wins

• Add a movement snack (10 squats, wall push-ups) each time you refill water

• Apply lavender essential oil to wrists or temples in the evening for calm

💡Your Supplement Sidekick:

Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic adaptogen that helps your body adapt to stress.

Daily use can support balanced cortisol levels, a calmer mood, and better daytime energy, without sedatives, stimulants, or brain fog [12,13,14]. Ashwagandha works gradually, building resilience over time so you can better handle what’s on your plate and feel grounded, no matter the chaos thrown your way!

5. Stay Hydrated to Keep Brain & Mood Online

Dehydration doesn’t just make you thirsty—it can make you foggy, forgetful, and irritable. Even mild fluid loss (just 1–2%) can disrupt cognition, focus, and mood regulation [15]. 

And in the heat of August—when you’re more active, enjoying warmer evenings, or relying on that extra coffee or two—it’s easy to slip behind on hydration without realizing it. Pair that with the shift toward busier fall schedules, and your body (and brain) can start running on empty fast.

Try This Today:

• Set a hydration timer to remind you every 60–90 minutes

• Flavor water naturally with lemon, cucumber, or fresh berries

• Add electrolytes or sea salt for better absorption

• Track intake with a marked bottle or hydration app

• Drink a glass before each meal to meet needs and aid digestion

• Pair hydrating snacks (like orange slices) with protein for lasting energy

• Sip herbal iced tea (caffeine-free) for variety without added sugar

🥤 Stay Consistent with the Right Tools:

• Pattern Wellness Water Bottle — Keeps drinks cold for 24 hrs / hot for 12, leak-proof, BPA-free, durable stainless steel interior.
  

• Pattern Wellness Shaker Bottle — Blends powders, electrolytes, or supplements smoothly with stainless steel mixing ball.

💡 Your Supplement Sidekick:

Hydration starts with water, but your body also needs electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to help regulate fluid balance, maintain healthy muscle and nerve function, and support optimal circulation [16].

These minerals work alongside a nutrient-rich diet to keep your cells hydrated and functioning at their best. And while electrolytes support physical hydration, other nutrients—like B vitamins for energy metabolism or Lion’s Mane for cognitive clarity—can complement your hydration habits by supporting the systems that keep you alert, focused, and energized.

💧 Explore our targeted wellness bundles for total support: Energy Bundle → Power your cells, Stress & Mood Bundle → Stay calm and focused, Cognitive Health Bundle → Sharpen your thinking and memory.

Ready to Beat the August Burnout?

Start small. Stay consistent. And support your brain, body, and mood with science-backed support you can trust!

At Pattern Wellness, we believe in wellness without the guesswork—just clean-label, expert-formulated supplements that do what they say they do.

✔ Real, natural ingredients

✔ No preservatives or additives—ever

✔ Free shipping on $50+

✔ 30-day risk-free guarantee

✔ 3rd-party lab tested | GMP Certified | Non-GMO

💚 Your health = our mission. Use code BLOG10 to save 10% today!

References:

1. Catherine Gallacher, Empowerment Result Coach. Jun 20, 2025. Brainz. The Power of Pause and How Micro-Moments of Stillness Reset the Midlife Brain. https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/the-power-of-pause-and-how-micro-moments-of-stillness-reset-the-midlife-brain 

2. Kushairi N, Phan CW, Sabaratnam V, David P, Naidu M. Lion's Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. Suppresses H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and LPS-Induced Inflammation in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons and BV2 Microglia. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Aug 1;8(8):261. doi: 10.3390/antiox8080261. PMID: 31374912; PMCID: PMC6720269. 

3. Abdullah N, Ismail SM, Aminudin N, Shuib AS, Lau BF. Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:464238. doi: 10.1155/2012/464238. Epub 2011 Jun 18. PMID: 21716693; PMCID: PMC3118607. 

4. Ryu S, Kim HG, Kim JY, Kim SY, Cho KO. Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. J Med Food. 2018 Feb;21(2):174-180. doi 10.1089/jmf.2017.4006. Epub 2017 Nov 1. PMID: 29091526. 

5. Jackson, P. A., Forster, J., Khan, J., Pouchieu, C., Dubreuil, S., Gaudout, D., Moras, B., Pourtau, L., Joffre, F., Vaysse, C., Bertrand, K., Abrous, H., Vauzour, D., Brossaud, J., Corcuff, J. B., Capuron, L., & Kennedy, D. O. (2021). Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 606124. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.606124 

6. Lopresti, A. L., & Smith, S. J. (2022). An examination into the mental and physical effects of a saffron extract (affron®) in recreationally-active adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 19(1), 219–238. https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2022.2083455 

7. Gout, B., Bourges, C., & Paineau-Dubreuil, S. (2010). Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy women. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 30(5), 305–313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2010.04.008 

8. Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 27;8(2):68. doi: 10.3390/nu8020068. PMID: 26828517; PMCID: PMC4772032. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4772032/ 

9. Medical Biochemistry. (2017). Vitamin B complex. Vitamin B Complex - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vitamin-b-complex 

10. JOUR. Bacterial Folates Provide an Exogenous Signal for C. elegans Germline Stem Cell Proliferation. Chaudhari, Snehal N., Mukherjee, Madhumati, Vagasi, Alexandra S., Bi, Gaofeng, Rahman, Mohammad M., Nguyen, Christine Q., Paul, Ligi, Selhub, Jacob, Kipreos, Edward T. 2016/07/11. Developmental Cell. 33, 46, 38, 1, Elsevier, 1534-5807, doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.06.013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2016.06.013 

11. Level All Team. May 8, 2025. College. The Power of Micro-Habits: How 1% Improvements Transform Your Life. https://www.levelall.com/blog-posts/the-power-of-micro-habits 

12. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022 

13. Langade, D., Kanchi, S., Salve, J., Debnath, K., & Ambegaokar, D. (2019). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Cureus, 11(9), e5797. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5797 

14. Deshpande, A., Irani, N., Balkrishnan, R., & Benny, I. R. (2020). A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep quality in healthy adults. Sleep medicine, 72, 28–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2020.03.012 

15. Benton D. Dehydration influences mood and cognition: a plausible hypothesis? Nutrients. 2011 May;3(5):555-73. doi: 10.3390/nu3050555. Epub 2011 May 10. PMID: 22254111; PMCID: PMC3257694. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3257694/

16. Popkin BM, D'Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration, and health. Nutr Rev. 2010 Aug;68(8):439-58. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x. PMID: 20646222; PMCID: PMC2908954. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2908954/