This year’s theme is “Resilience, adaptability and thriving in adversity”
Every year, International Self Care Day is celebrated on July 24. The date has a specific month and date form that looks like 7/24 –denoting that self-care should be performed 24 hours a day, seven days of the week.
The day is dedicated to the importance of loving ourselves and taking care of our body and mind. This year’s theme is “Resilience, adaptability and thriving in adversity” – a global call to action for people to build resilience, which can help individuals manage stress, cope with negative emotions and maintain physical and mental health.
While it is important to prioritise self-care every single day, it is helpful to have some self-care practices you can start with. Here is a simple guide on how to celebrate International Self Care Day this year.
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Find time for yourself
Contrary to what wellness and beauty companies sell, self-care does not need to be elaborate or fancy. It can be as simple as making time for yourself from your busy schedule. Whether it is only an hour a day, schedule some me-time in your calendar to do something you enjoy. This could mean watching your favourite web series, reading a book, taking a long walk to doing nothing at all. It does not matter what you do, what matters is that you have some dedicated time for yourself.
Eat nutritious food
Like we said, self-care is beyond just bubble baths and face masks. Something as simple and effective as eating healthy is one of the most vital aspects of self-care. Having a balanced diet that includes green, leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains, not only enhances your energy levels but also improves your overall health. At the same time, do not deprive yourself of food that makes you happy – like your favourite dish or guilty pleasure. However, do not overindulge and practice moderation.
Exercise daily
Regular exercise not only helps in increasing fitness levels and in building stamina, but it also helps in reducing stress levels and in improving mental health by producing ‘feel-good’ hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin. It is also a great way to stay connected with your family and friends, especially if you are participating in group activities. But keep in mind – exercise does not require having perfect fitness routines or going to the gym – it can just mean completing your daily step count or engaging in physical activities like yoga, swimming, or dancing.
Get plenty of sleep
We all are aware that getting adequate sleep is key to maintaining good health, but most of us struggle to get enough of it. One should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. This can be achieved by practicing sleep hygiene – healthy sleep habits that improve sleep.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness, according to Buddhist scriptures, means clear comprehension. Its definition aligns with its purpose – to help us see more clearly, respond more effectively to what life throws at us, and ultimately make wiser choices. It also helps improve focus and concentration, manage stress, and foster positive thoughts and emotions. You can harness the power of mindfulness through breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or by simply connecting with your inner self each day.
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First published on: 24-07-2023 at 09:10 IST
