International Self‑Care Day

International Self‑Care Day on July 24 (observed annually) invites everyone to put themselves first and embrace routines that nurture physical, mental, and emotional well‑being.

History of International Self‑Care Day

International Self‑Care Day was founded in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation (ISF), a UK charity created to spotlight the habit of self-care and spread awareness of its lifelong benefits . What makes July 24 special is that it mirrors “24/7″—a symbolic nod that self-care isn’t just a once-a-year activity, but a 24‑hours‑a‑day, 7‑days‑a‑week necessity. ¹

Over the years this day has become a global movement. Healthcare organizations, community groups, and workplaces increasingly use the date as a focal point for encouraging simple, proactive habits—from better sleep to stress management — showcasing self-care as a key pillar of healthy living.

Self-Care Month Overview

• Dates: Runs from 24 June to 24 July.
• Symbolism: Ends on 24/7 Self-Care Day, reflecting the idea that self-care can be practiced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Purpose of Self-Care Month

• Raise awareness about self-care and related interventions.
• Celebrate the positive impact of self-care on people’s lives.
• Encourage action and commitment to integrate self-care into health systems.

What Is Self-Care?

• Defined by WHO as actions taken by individuals, families, and communities to: ²
  • Promote and maintain health
  • Prevent disease
  • Cope with illness and disability
  • With or without support from health workers

What Are Self-Care Interventions?

• Evidence-based tools that support self-care, including:
  • Medicines
  • Counselling
  • Diagnostic kits
  • Digital health technologies
• These tools are rapidly evolving and expanding.

Why Is Self-Care Important?

• Empowers people to manage their own health.
• Reduces strain on overstretched health systems.

Global health challenges:

• 4.3 billion people lack access to basic health services.
• Shortage of 10 million health workers, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.
• 1 in 5 people live in humanitarian crisis settings.
• Global issues like pandemics, conflict, and climate change disrupt health services. ²

Why is International Self‑Care Day important?

What really hits home is that self-care isn’t about indulgence—it’s a practical way to build resilience for modern life. With rising stress, burnout, and growing pressure on health systems, International Self‑Care Day reminds us that each of us holds the power to boost our own well-being through mindful actions.

It also gently challenges the notion that self-care is selfish. Actually, it’s quite the opposite: when we prioritize our own health—mentally, physically, even financially — you become better equipped to show up for others. It’s empowering and deeply personal, while also feeding into broader community wellness .

• it reminds me to check in on both body and mind
• it shows that self-care is more than a spa day
• it helps me set boundaries without guilt
• it connects personal wellness to caring for others
• it’s a simple way to ease stress in everyday life

Key Benefits of Self-Care Interventions

• Increases access to healthcare anytime, anywhere.
• Supports, not replaces, health systems.
• Improves Primary Health Care.
• Contributes to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

How to Observe International Self‑Care Day

You don’t need elaborate plans—just a few small, intentional gestures can have a big impact. Maybe start your day with a favourite healthy breakfast, take a short break to step outside mid‑afternoon, or switch off from screens before bed. It’s about building habits that feel easy yet powerful over time.

If you’re at work or with friends, suggest a group strolling break or share self-care tips to spark conversation. Even normal routines—drinking more water, reading, cooking—can become celebrations when done mindfully, with care and gratitude and awareness.

• start the day with something you love
• take a mindful break and really breathe
• ditch your phone before bed for better sleep
• keep doing one small self-care habit beyond today
• share a simple health tip with someone.

Taking care of yourself means choosing the best for yourself, and this applies to everything: nutrition, water quality, the best sleep and rest schedule, work, education, communication, and relationships. Start with small steps, but take care of yourself and your mental and physical health every day, every hour.

International Self‑Care Day Dates

1. https://www.selfcarefederation.org/international-self-care-day-page[↩]
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/06/24/default-calendar/self-care-month[↩][↩]