International Self care day

Every year on July 24, International Self-Care Day (ISCD) is celebrated globally to emphasise the significance of self-care and its lifelong health benefits. This annual observance encourages individuals to prioritise self-care practices, nurturing their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. International Self-Care Day was birthed by the International Self-Care Foundation (ISF) in 2011. The selection of July 24, or 7/24, underlines the essential concept of self-care being a 24/7 responsibility. It isn't merely a one-off practice but a daily commitment, underlining the idea the idea that the advantages of self-care span beyond the limitations of a single day.

What is self-care? 

WHO defines self-care as individuals, families and communities’ promoting and maintaining their own health, preventing disease, and coping with illness and disability, with or without the support of a health worker. 

Why is self-care so important? 

Self-care is about empowering people to be active agents in their own health and wellbeing. Self-care interventions give people choice and the option to access healthcare wherever and whenever they want to.

Self-care has become incredibly important as people realize the need to take care of themselves and put themselves first. This has made people talk about it and increased the interest of others to take control of their health and wellness by prioritising themselves. Today, we urge you to practice self-care, even if all you do is take a walk.

Self-care includes everything related to staying well and healthy, both physically, mentally, and emotionally; it is the steps we take daily incorporating the NHS 5 Ways to Wellbeing. To connect, give, take notice, be active and keep learning. Studies suggest regular and daily self-care can build your strength and resilience, improve focus, and strengthen relationships; it supports you in caring for yourself and others, supports you in your job and provides a positive and happier outlook on daily activities.

The health and wellbeing team have developed the Self-Care Calendars for daily prompts to a happier, healthier you.

You can also visit our health and wellbeing pages Lifestyle Advice and Self-Health Check.