When's the last time you sat still without reaching for your phone?

It’s a quick, unconscious habit most of us do without a second thought, and part of the reason your nervous system could be struggling to “turn-off.” National Relaxation Day (August 15, 2026) is the perfect excuse to do something about it.

But first, let’s get into the ‘why’ decreasing your screentime can benefit your health.

Help Your Nervous System Clock Out

Even when you're "relaxing" on the couch, if your phone's within reach, your nervous system probably isn't. Every notification and scroll keeps your body in a low simmer of alert, never quite reaching real rest. It's not just a feeling, either — a study published in BMC Medicine found that people who spend five or more hours a day on their phones are 71% more likely to experience anxiety or depression.

Staying constantly connected could be the reason why you’re not able to feel completely rested. Making a conscious effort to reduce screen time is the first step to disconnecting.

Small Habits Matter

Not everyone can completely ‘ditch’ the phone (as much as you’d probably like to), so try setting some boundaries with your screen time by introducing other, new habits instead. Consider trying these things out this month and reflect on how you feel afterwards.

• Leave your phone in another room during at least one meal a day
• Trade your evening scroll for reading a tangible book, or journaling
• Take a quiet walk without a podcast or playlist to allow your brain to wander
• Set a phone-free hour each evening to give your nervous system room to downshift

Giving Your Body a Physical Reset

Putting the phone down is a start, but your body may need more assistance fully letting go. That's where massage and self-care come in. One of the most effective ways to physically interrupt the stress response looks like easing tension in your muscles, allowing nervous system full permission to rest screen-free.

This #NationalRelaxationDay, remember to allow yourself the feeling of letting go. Book a session at MassageLuXe and give your body (and your phone) a break.

About MassageLuXe

Founded in 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment.

Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has over 100 locations across 22 states and is planning to double in size in the next three years.

There’s something powerful about simply being together. In a world where screens often take center stage, carving out intentional, tech-free time as a family can have a lasting impact on everyone’s well-being. Family wellness is not about doing everything perfectly, but it is about creating space for connection, conversation, and shared experiences that strengthen relationships over time. Unfortunately these days, those moments without screens are slim.

Spending quality time together without distractions allows families to reconnect in a more meaningful way. These moments help build trust, improve communication, and create a sense of stability that supports both emotional and mental health.

The Importance of Unplugging as a Family

It’s easy to fall into the habit of multitasking with a screen on. Watching tv while folding laundry, streaming a YouTube video while eating lunch,  and spending excessive minutes in the bathroom while scrolling on social media has all been pretty normalized about now. Parents understand they set the example for their kids to follow, so the change for going screenless needs to begin with them. In moments where the entire family is all gathered together, being fully present with one another can make a noticeable difference to strengthen the relationship among family members.

Simple Ways to Connect Without Screens

Family bonding does not have to be complicated either. Some of the most meaningful moments come from everyday activities that simply remove the screens and replace it with something else.

Try:

• Cooking or meal prepping together while listening to a favorite album
• Going for a walk outside after finishing dinner
• Playing board games or doing a puzzle instead of watching tv or playing video games
• Creating a weekly family night tradition to get everyone involved (themed dinner nights or game nights)

We’re NOT saying that screens are damaging, but we are saying the intentional time you pour into your kids by unplugging from your devices can help create lasting memories.

Building Stronger Relationships Through Routine

Consistency plays an important role in building routines, especially when it comes to your family’s overall well-being. With busy schedules filled with school, work, sports, and other activities, finding intentional time together can feel challenging. Instead of trying to manage everything on your own, consider involving your family in the day-to-day. Creating shared routines can take pressure off and turn everyday tasks into opportunities for connection.

Simple routines might include:

• Cleaning the house together on weekend mornings
• Stopping for groceries after school
• Cooking dinner or doing homework side by side

These moments can strengthen family relationships while also supporting individual mental wellness. When children feel supported and included, they are often more open, engaged, and easier to communicate with.

Prioritizing Wellness as a Family

As good as it is to be busy together, it’s also important to find ways for everyone to recharge together. Parents, this is once more your opportunity to set the example of what self care can look like for your children to show them there’s beauty and wellness in taking care of yourself.

This might look like:

• Taking a hot bath once a week
• Having a weekly movie night
• Going to bed early as a family
• Exploring services that support overall well-being

Did you know there’s self care services for children? Depending on the age, skincare and health and wellness companies offer memberships and deals for children so they can join in on the benefits. Creating time for connection and care is easier when it’s built into your routine. With a MassageLuXe membership, families can prioritize wellness together in a way that feels consistent and accessible.

MassageLuXe offers flexible membership options that make it simple to incorporate regular massage and facial services into your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to unwind individually or build healthier habits as a family, having a plan in place can help make self-care part of your everyday routine. Learn more about membership options here: https://massageluxe.com/memberships/

Overall family wellness starts with intention, and with the parents. By unplugging more often and prioritizing time together, you can create a routine that supports stronger relationships and a more balanced lifestyle for everyone involved. So the next time you think about finishing dinner and everyone immediately plugging into their devices, think about how you can reconnect with your family by creating more space for intentionality.

About MassageLuXe

Founded in 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment.

Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has over 100 locations across 22 states and is planning to double in size in the next three years.