What to Do With Your Life in August—31 Ideas to Make Every Day Count

August is a funny time of year. It’s one of those in-between months where mentally, we might be moving onto the next season—but in many ways, we’re also not ready for the summer to end. Plenty of people take their vacations this month, meaning your hometown or city might be totally empty. Before you despair, remember: this is a good thing! There are still plenty of things to do in August to take advantage of the quiet before the busy storm of fall begins.

August can be a private moment to savor the last long days of summer. Our bucket list of things to do in August is a deliciously lazy one (yes, we’re actually telling you to sleep in). Because even if you graduated a decade ago—or longer—the back-to-school season still sweeps all of us up in its hectic pace. August is our final opportunity to be a little laid-back with how we approach each day. I encourage you to take naps in the sun when possible, walk whenever the whim strikes, and take all your meals outside.

31 Things to Do In August

After all, despite the sometimes unbearable heat, summer is a season to savor. I always find myself wanting to really lean into this time of year, wishing I could stop time for a moment. And while I love the cozy season—and fully embrace it when the air turns crisp—I’ve learned to make the most of every moment I have. Summers don’t last forever, so read on for ideas to help you make the best of what’s left.

Keep scrolling for 31 things to do in August. Our bucket list is complete with ideas to keep you inspired every day of the month. Get ready to enjoy every minute of it—August will be gone in a flash.

August 1-4

1. Plan for the month ahead. What’s better than a little life mapping? Pull out your vision board from the beginning of the year and do a mid-year check-in. Celebrate your wins, reflect on what no longer resonates, and perhaps plot a few new goals to get after.

2. Embrace a new wellness ritual. We asked our favorite female fitness founders to share the routines and practices that keep them feeling their best. Steal their advice.

3. Design your dream backyard. Whether you have a sprawling space or are decking out a tiny balcony for two (hi, me)—these backyard ideas have you covered.

4. Meet a friend for coffee and a walk. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned how much I love catching up over coffee and getting in our steps. Trust me: it’s so much more fun than screaming in a crowded bar.

August 5-11

5. Upgrade your afternoon snack. A reminder that every part of your life can benefit from a little romanticizing—your PM snack included. I’m obsessed with these high-protein snacks and you know I have this spicy corn toast on repeat.

6. Do a speed-clean. I love setting an alarm for 45 minutes, throwing my laundry in the wash, and seeing how much I can get done. I’m obsessed with watching this gal’s routine Reels—she knows how to make the most of a half-hour.

7. Make a mid-week cake. Just because! This Strawberry Cake With Mascarpone Creme takes a few steps, but trust me: it couldn’t be easier. I’m also obsessed with this Strawberry Crumble Olive Oil Cake—for dessert, a snack, breakfast…

8. Send friends postcards. I like to keep a stockpile of cards and postcards handy so I can send friends and family a sweet note whenever the desire strikes. Write a sweet and simple note—it’ll mean so much.

9. Start asking better questions. I’ll just leave these 250 Never Have I Ever questions right here. They’re so fun.

10. Take a road trip. It’s Saturday, so go somewhere! I live in Chicago, and I love picking a small town within an hour’s drive to spend a few hours. Get coffee and grab lunch, go shopping, and enjoy taking in the charm of a quiet, sleepy suburb.

11. Let yourself sleep in. You deserve it! While it’s not ideal to do every weekend (getting in the habit can seriously mess up your sleep cycles), I find that there’s nothing more luxurious than getting a few extra hours and waking up feeling refreshed. Bonus points if you take your coffee back to bed.

August 12-18

12. Do one thing that scares you. Send the text, book the trip, or take the leap—whatever that means to you. This isn’t about being reckless or scaring yourself solely for the sake of it. Rather, it’s encouraging you to do that thing that you’ve been putting off, and that’ll feel so good once you’ve done it.

13. Do one thing that makes you feel extra cozy. Now that you’ve done something that puts you out of your comfort zone, reward yourself with a comfy-cozy activity. On my list? Spending the night reading with my cats, making my favorite dinner, and spending an afternoon working by the pool.

14. Embrace the Italian way of summer. With the season winding down, there’s never a better time to make the most of these fleeting sunny days. Pick up a copy of my new favorite coffee table book: Il Dolce Far Niente. Its pages are filled with gorgeous photographs of Italy’s southern coast—known for its fashion and lifestyle. Expect to be inspired.

15. Create an end-of-summer playlist. I’ve had our Casa Zuma playlist on repeat since June, but you’re welcome to customize it to your liking. Embrace the ethereal, magical vibes that feel so present this time of year. (Sufjan Stevens, Jungle, and Dominic Fike are my current faves.)

16. Invite friends over for an impromptu dinner party. Put out some snacks, order in—or make up these quick and crowd-pleasing chicken fajitas—and ask friends to bring the wine. Remember: the goal of a gathering is to enjoy the beautiful, wonderful people in your life. So don’t stress it!

17. Go estate sale shopping. Treasures abound at these under-the-radar sales. Consult our estate sale shopping guide for all you need to know.

18. Take yourself back to school shopping. Yes, even if you graduated years ago. What’s more fun than stocking up on cute pencils and pens, a new planner, and maybe even a few additions to your vision board.

August 19-25

19. Make fruit popsicles. There’s nothing like a sweet and simple treat to make you feel like a kid soaking up the last few days of summer. Our easy mango lassi popsicles are perfect.

20. Book a new workout class. In the spirit of trying something new, challenge yourself to explore different forms of fitness. If you’re a spinning girlie, try a strength training class. If you’re a barre junkie, check out yoga. You’ll move your body in new ways and maybe even pick up a few friends along the way!

21. Go for a walk after dinner. It’s great for digestion, gets you outside, and is so lovely to do with family or friends. I’ve made a habit of it over the years—it makes me feel so European.

22. Call your mom. I know it’s on your list (because yes, it’s also on mine). It’s the easiest mood-boost.

23. Kick off the weekend with a new summer cocktail. These are our favorite warm-weather cocktails we’d consider must-makes before the summer’s over. (Think: palomas, limoncello spritzes, and the best spicy margarita you’ve ever had.)

24. Start planning your fall capsule wardrobe. These are all the fall essentials you need. While it’s still hot and we likely won’t be wearing sweaters for another month and a half, you can start scouring Pinterest for inspiration, pull together pieces you love, and make room in your closet for the seasonal, sartorial shift.

25. Go swimming. While I’d been better about it in 2024, in years past, it would get to the end of the summer and I’d realize I hadn’t jumped in a body of water yet. If that’s you, take this Sunday as an excuse to jump in the lake, pool, ocean—anything. And if you already have, do it again. Swimming is a life-long delight.

August 26-31

26. Revamp your morning routine. Back-to-school season is upon us, and there’s no time like the present to consider how you’d like to switch up your AM rituals. Try these 26 ideas that prioritize energy and productivity or get inspired with Camille’s very own morning routine.

27. Make a jar of affirmations. Write positive affirmations on a piece of paper and cut into little slips. Gently crumple them up and place them in a jar. Each morning, pull out a new affirmation that reminds you how incredible and capable you are.

28. Declutter. Spring isn’t the only time where we could benefit from a clean slate. Start identifying the things you rarely use and consider whether keeping them or enjoying the clear space would benefit you more. Steal our comprehensive guide to decluttering your home.

29. Take your lunch outside. If you’re still guilty of shoveling your salad into your mouth over your keyboard, take a beat. These intentional lunch break ideas will help you make the most of your lunch hour.

30. Reflect on the month. What went well? Was there anything that surprised you? Were there goals you weren’t able to prioritize—why? Spend an hour journaling about the month behind you and ask yourself how you’d like to proceed into September.

31. Go to the farmer’s market. Enjoy the last of the late-summer produce! Whip up these easy grilled peaches, a chic summer fruit salad, or this lemon-raspberry cake for your Labor Day party.