International Self Care Day

Every year on July 24th, International Self Care Day encourages people around the world to prioritize self care and make it part of their lifestyle. Self care means taking care of your whole self to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well.

So what exactly does self care look like? It could be as simple as having some quiet time each day, or a coffee with a friend at least once a week.

Other examples of self care include:

Having a regular sleep routine

Maintaining a healthy weight

Keeping a reflective journal

Practicing gratitude

Getting a massage

Listening to relaxing music

Reading a good book

Learning to say no

Asking for help when necessary

There are other areas of self care that some focus on as well. For example:

Paying bills on time and saving money can be forms of financial self care

Monitoring time on social media and decluttering your home can be forms of environmental self care

Going to a place of worship or meditating can be forms of spiritual self care

No matter what kind of self care one practices, one is bound to reap benefits, such as having a healthier mind and body.

Self care is especially important for caregivers. They may find it easy to pour all of their time and energy into another person, which can take a toll. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”

Ways To Observe #InternationalSelfCareDay

On this day, self care activities are held throughout the world. Countries that have participated in the past include the United States, Australia, Canada, Kenya, Mexico, South Korea, Tanzania, and Vietnam. Self care activities include poster design competitions, concerts, public lectures, and sponsored public walks.

Here are some ways to participate:

Brainstorm a list of ways to practice self-care throughout the remainder of the year.

If you know a full-time caregiver, offer to take them out for coffee.

Learn more about the many benefits of self care.

Read a book to help guide you on your self-care journey, such as The Comfort Book by Matt Haig, The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser, or Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown.

Take time to listen to a self care podcast like “Beyond the To-Do List” or “The Chasing Joy Podcast.”