Today we will be talking about a special day that truly gets me excited—International Self-Care Day! I know we’ve got plenty of international days for all sorts of things, but this one holds a special place in my heart.
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Self-care has evolved from a trendy buzzword to a very powerful concept that can transform our lives. But why is there a day devoted to self-care? Shouldn’t we practice self-care every day?
Well, yes of course we should. But, let’s talk about why International Self-Care Day is a day worth celebrating and embracing with open arms, especially for women in midlife!
What is International Self-Care Day?
International Self-Care Day is celebrated every year on July 24th. This day was established by the International Self-Care Foundation in 2011.
Every year, this day is surrounded by a different theme proposed by the International Self-Care Foundation in an effort to raise self-care awareness.
Related Post: Self-Care Tips For Women: Are You Really Taking Care Of Yourself?
How to Celebrate International Self-Care Day?
.Embrace the Power of Prioritization
Midlife can be a rollercoaster with all the changes we endure physically, and emotionally. With so much going on, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care.
Take a moment to assess your needs and desires. What brings you joy? What nourishes your soul? Identifying and prioritizing these activities will help you carve out dedicated time for self-care.
.Celebrate International Self-Care Day by Nurturing Your Body and Mind
Remember, self-care means so many different things, it is really about nurturing both your body and mind.
Engage in regular exercise, whether it’s yoga, walking, or dancing around your home. Exercise not only benefits your physical health but also releases endorphins that boost your mood and overall well-being.
Feed your body with nourishing foods that give you energy and make you feel good. Explore new recipes, experiment with fresh ingredients, and don’t forget to hydrate.
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or indulge in a good book that transports you to another world. Engaging in activities that support your physical and mental health will unlock a sense of inner harmony.
Related Post: How to Create Healthy Habits for a Lifetime of Wellness
.Connect and Reconnect
Midlife is a time of reflection and transformation, and nurturing our relationships is an essential part of self-care. Reach out to friends and loved ones, and schedule regular meetups or phone calls to catch up and share laughter.
Social connections can provide a tremendous sense of support and understanding during this phase of life.
Don’t forget to reconnect with yourself. Set aside time for introspection, meditation, or journaling. Getting in touch with your inner self can help you gain clarity, release stress, and find solace in the chaos of life.
Related Post: Social Self-Care Examples You Must Know To Help Level Up Your Routine
Mindful Time Management
Time management is crucial, especially when life seems to be moving at warp speed. Embrace the power of saying no to commitments that don’t align with your well-being.
Learn to set boundaries and delegate tasks. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and let them lend a helping hand.
Related Post: 10 Tips to Help Manage the Challenges of Balancing Work and Family
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Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
As women, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to be perfect. But self-care is not about perfection; it’s about progress. Celebrate even the smallest wins along your self-care journey.
Be gentle with yourself, practice self-compassion, and embrace the imperfections that make you beautifully unique.
Related Post: 30 Inspiring Emotional Self-Care Examples to Nourish Your Inner Self
Practice Gratitude
Cultivating gratitude can be a powerful tool for navigating midlife changes and enhancing well-being.
It can help helps shift the focus from what might be lacking or changing to appreciating the positive aspects of life. It can also play a key role in nurturing and strengthening relationships.
Expressing gratitude releases feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can boost mood and reduce stress levels.
Related Post: What is Mindfulness? How to Get Started & Enhance Your Midlife Well-Being
Revisit Dreams and Goals
Take time to revisit your dreams, aspirations, and goals. Evaluate if they are still aligned with your current values and desires.
Make adjustments or set new goals that excite and inspire you for the next phase of your life. Rediscovering and pursuing your passions can bring a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Related Post: Personal Growth Goals: Tips on Why They Are Beneficial to Establish
Resources:
.Books:
“The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom” by Angeles Arrien: Explores the opportunities and challenges of midlife and offers insights for personal growth and transformation.
Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing as We Age” by Mary Pipher: Explores the psychological and emotional aspects of aging and provides strategies for thriving in the second half of life.
.Apps:
Insight Timer: A meditation app with a wide variety of guided meditations, music, and talks to support mindfulness and relaxation.
Calm: An app that provides guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques to promote mental well-being and stress reduction.
Podcast: The Grace and Grit Podcast: Hosted by Courtney Townley: This podcast focuses on empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being, including discussions on midlife topics.
International Self-Care Day is a day that encourages us to appreciate our own individual needs and make intentional decisions and actions that allow us to prioritize ourselves without feeling guilty or selfish.
When we put ourselves first, we are better equipped to show up for others – our family, friends, and community.
So mark your calendars because July 24th is International Self-Care Day, and it’s time to celebrate YOU!
Remember, your self-care journey is like no other. It’s not about seeking validation from anyone else but about embracing the process of understanding your own needs and responding with love and respect for yourself.
How will you be celebrating International Self-Care Day? I’d love to hear about your plans in the comments.
Be well…
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Other Posts You May Enjoy:
. Top 10 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health: How Can It Help You?
. Simple Self-Care Organization Ideas To Improve Your Day-to-Day Life
. 50 Simple and Surprisingly Effective Physical Self-Care Examples for Women of All Ages
I did not know about Self Care Day but it is truly important and should be part of every day. Thanks for sharing
Hi Elaine! I totally agree, don’t wait for International Self-Care Day to practice self-care but perhaps allow ourselves even more self-care in celebration 🙂
I didn’t know about the apps you mentioned. I’m terrible at time management, definitely will be trying out these tips.
Hello Christina! So glad I was able to provide you with some valuable information for self-care. I’d love to hear what self-care tips you find helpful once you’ve tried them.
I had no idea International Self-Care Day is celebrated every year on July 24! That’s a fantastic idea and you really highlight some great activities and tips to enjoy the day. I love the Calm app is included – such a great app!
Hi Debbie! Thank you for your kinds words! I’m so glad you now know about International Self-Care Day and can celebrate appropriately!
I wasn’t aware that there existed an international Self-Care Day. Thank you for providing this valuable information.
Hello Ann! You are quite welcome! I hope you can celebrate International Self-Care day with an extra dose of self-care. You deserve it!
I find walking, yoga, and meditating are my new go-to self-care practices. I’ve also incorporated bike riding.
Hi Tracy! I love the self-care activities you are enjoying now! I’d like to get in a bit more walking this summer for sure.
So important to make sure you have some self care and take time out for yourself.
Hello Emma! Yes, self-care is very important for our well-being. I hope you found the tips I shared in this International Self-Care Day post helpful.
Absolutely love this. All of these tips etc were 100% applicable to me so thank you
Hello Belle! Yay! I’m so glad this post on International Self-Care Day resonated with you. Thanks for stopping by to comment 🙂
Thank you for this very important post. I feel that, as women, we are always looking after others and we often put ourselves as last on the priority list. You have given me some great ideas.
Hi Maryanne! You hit the nail on the head. It’s amazing how we as women can continue to care for others but not prioritize ourselves. It shouldn’t be that way though. Our own physical and mental health matter too. I’m glad you enjoyed the Self-Care Day ideas! Thanks for stopping by to comment!
I love that you wrote about gratitude as a self care topic! It is great to remember that it releases feel good hormones! The apps you mention are so helpful too! Thank you for such great ideas on celebrating International Self Care Day!
Yes, all of this. Such a great article ☺️ Practicing gratitude is soooo important to me and very important for self care
Hello Sara! I agree 100% about the importance of practicing gratitude. It really can change how you feel each day. Thanks for stopping by.
Great article about self care! Helpful tips here.
Hi Monica! Thank you for stopping by to comment on my International Self-Care Day post. I do hope you can take one or more of the tips shared in the post and practice a little extra self-care that day and every day!
Love this post! Self-care is so important and I love doing it. My favorite self-care activity is either a face mask and movie or going on a hike. Will mark my calendar for this day.
Hi Hannah! Yay! So glad you will be adding International Self-Care Day to your calendar. I love your favorite self-care activities and I’m so happy to hear you enjoy your well-deserved self-care time.
I had no idea there was an International Self-Care Day! Very cool! Thank you so much for sharing this and all your wonderful resources. Self-care is so important.
Hi Katie! Thank you for stopping by with your kind comments! I hope you have an amazing International Self-Care Day and that you find time to practice self-care daily. 🙂
I didn’t even know we had an international day for self-care. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sheenia! You’re welcome 🙂
Great tips! Gardening is my intentional, mindful activity of choice. I also LOVE the Calm app.
Hello Tiffany! Thank you! I love gardening too. We so often just go through the motions without being intentional so hearing that you are intentional about gardening really makes me happy. So glad you enjoyed the tips in this post on International Self-Care Day!
I didn’t know there was a day for this. But I vote to make it international self-care month! 😄🩷
Hello Brandi! I could not agree more! An International Self-Care Month is certainly in order.