International Self-Care Day: Taking Care of Body and Soul
International Self-Care Day: Do We Know How to Take Care of Body and Soul?
23.07.25 – Maria Plexida
What comes first to your mind when you hear the word “self-care”? Is it a nice bubble bath or a skincare routine? Self-care can be those things and many more. In fact, self-care is every act we do that improves our physical and mental health and makes us feel nice and lovely.
There is a special date dedicated to self-care called “International Self-Care Day”. It is celebrated on the 24th of July and it’s a day that reminds us of the importance of self-love and care, the role they play in our everyday lives, and their long-term benefits.
The history of International Self-Care Day
International Self-Care Day was first established in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation (ISF), a UK-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting health literacy and self-care awareness. The day has since evolved into a global observance, supported by public health agencies, medical associations, and advocacy groups worldwide. Each year, campaigns highlight key themes such as prevention, resilience, mental health, and the economic benefits of self-managed care.
The capitalistic side of self-care
While self-care began as a holistic practice to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being, it has increasingly been shaped by capitalist ideals. In today’s mainstream culture, self-care is often marketed as something you need to buy – whether it’s skincare products, supplements, or wellness retreats.
Picture it. You see something on social media and you feel the urge to purchase it because it’s presented as something that will make you feel better or more in control. But this can lead to overconsumption and the false belief that well-being is something you can buy. In the end, this urge to buy often does little to address the deeper needs self-care was originally meant to support.
How to get involved in International Self-Care Day
- Check in with yourself: Reflect on your current habits and set small, meaningful self-care goals. For example: staying hydrated, moving your body or practiscing better boundaries.
- Inspire others: Share your self-care practices or favourite tips on social media to spread awareness and encourage others to prioritise their well-being.
- Join a wellness event: Attend a workshop, class, or webinar focused on topics like nutrition, mental health, fitness, or mindfulness.
- Unplug and recharge: Use the day as a reminder to slow down, rest, and disconnect from the noise. Even a few quiet hours can make a big difference.
- Give back: Support community efforts that make self-care and healthcare more accessible through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
Ways to celebrate self-care
I always love to make or find small checklists for self-care practices! So I made one for International Self-Care Day to celebrate it together and take care of ourselves.
Everyday self-care ideas
- Go for a walk without your phone
- Cook your favourite food
- Journal for 10 minutes (brain dump or gratitude list)
- Drink a full glass of water
- Do a 15-minute stretch or gentle yoga session
- Take a nap without guilt
- Read a book or listen to a podcast that feeds your mind
Relax & reset
- Take a long bath or shower with music and candles
- Do a digital detox for an hour (or the whole day if it’s possible)
- Light essential oils and just… sit
- Spend time with your pet or in nature
- Create a “no plans” evening
Mental & emotional self-care
- Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad
- Say “no” to something that drains you
- Talk to a therapist or check in with a supportive friend
- Write a letter to your future self
- List three things you’re proud of from the past month
Creative self-care
- Try a new hobby (painting, dancing, knitting, etc.)
- Make a playlist of songs that lift you up
- Curate a Pinterest board or vision journal
- Write a poem or a “love letter” to yourself
Community-focused self-care
- Volunteer for a cause you care about
- Donate to organisations making wellness accessible
- Organise a group self-care activity (walk, picnic, journaling)
- Share free mental health resources on your platforms
Some questions to ask yourself
These questions are here to gently guide you, so you can check in with yourself, see where you’re at, and get to know your needs a little better:
- What does rest look like for me mentally, emotionally, and physically? Am I giving myself enough of it?
- What small habit could I start today that would make my future self feel supported and cared for?
- Where in my life do I need to set or reinforce boundaries to protect my energy?
- What would I do differently if I fully believed I was already enough, just as I am?
- How do I usually respond to my own needs and how can I offer myself more compassion?
- Who or what makes me feel truly supported, and how can I nurture those connections?
Closing thoughts on self-care
In the rush and constant motion of everyday life, it’s easy to forget to care for ourselves. Sometimes we even feel guilty for slowing down, as if rest needs to be earned.
But the truth is, to live with balance and intention, we need those small or big moments of self-care. They ground us, refocus us and give us the strength to keep going with more presence, centered and ready for whatever comes next.
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