World Relaxation Day, held on the 15th of August, has been celebrated since 1985. The holiday traces its roots back to a nine-year-old named Sean Moeller in Michigan, who came up with the concept for a day where people take a break from everyday life and spend time outside doing activities they enjoy. The overall goal of WRD is to promote stress relief through meditation and other relaxation techniques that lead to a clearer mind. Another aim is to help prevent burnout and give people a day to slow down in areas of life where they would not otherwise because of everyday tasks and uncertain events. So, this World Relaxation Day, get your relaxation on in Downstate with these different spots and activities!

Breath & Bend Yoga - Albers

Take World Relaxation Day to a new level with Breath & Bend Hot Yoga in Albers! Aside from just yoga, they are also a center focused on helping you find your inner peace and align with the best version of yourself. They offer unique classes and workshops featuring paddle boards on their private lake. Regardless of skill level, everyone is encouraged to find their power with the team of trained and certified relaxation professionals at Breathe & Bend. So, take a relaxing stroll down to Albers to find your inner tranquility this World Relaxation Day.

Cedarhurst Center For the Arts – Mount Vernon

Want something more creative to get your brain moving without overexerting yourself? Then Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon is the place to be! Spread over 80 acres, this complex hosts an original two-room museum that has expanded into a 33,000-square-foot cultural center with four galleries, an interactive family learning center, and an acoustically fine-tuned performance hall. The grounds are also home to the Shrode Art Center, which includes a gallery, classrooms, and studio space, and the historic Mitchell and Schweinfurth Houses for special events and meetings. The Center offers a myriad of different activities and events such as Adult & Kid Arts Classes, Basketeers, Book Clubs, Clay Clubs, and Family events.

Pyramid State Park - Pinckneyville

Get out in nature for National Relaxation Day at Pyramid State Park in Pinckneyville. With beautiful, forested hills, lakes, and ponds, this quaint nature reserve is the perfect place to slow down for a while and connect with nature. Originally owned by Southern Illinois University before being transferred to the state in 1968 for a State Recreation Area, Pyramid State Park offers visitors more than 500 acres of water that are teeming with good fishing opportunities. The largest lake on the property, adequately named Super Lake, is an excellent centerpiece to the area and a must-stop during your adventures. Most of the lakes on the Pyramid property are naturally formed and accessible on foot, making the park a water lover’s dream.

Red Hills State Park Sumner IL

With wildflowers, beautiful foliage, and soothing seasonal breezes, Red Hills State Park in Sumner is the perfect place to spend time on National Relaxation Day. High wooded hills, deep ravines, captivating meadows, and year-round springs ensure that visitors will not run out of beautiful sites to take in during their trip. Red Hills is carefully preserved and maintained by the state year-round, offering pristine hiking trails, equestrian and bike trails, and shaded picnic areas.