Some days, just getting by is an accomplishment in itself. When life feels heavy or loud or like far too much to handle, your own care can quietly slip to the bottom of your to-do list. And that’s why International Self-Care Day exists: to bring your well-being gently back into focus.
Celebrated every year on July 24, this day is a reminder that you deserve care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether this is the first time you’ve ever focused on self-care or you’re slowly rebuilding your routine, take this as your invitation to pause, breathe, and take one small, meaningful step for yourself today.
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What Is International Self-Care Day, and Why Is It on July 24?
The International Self-Care Foundation (ISF) is responsible for establishing International Self-Care Day. They created it to promote the importance of taking care of yourself all the time, not just on special occasions.¹
The date, 7/24, is intentional. It reflects the idea that taking care of you should happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After the pandemic, conversations around mental health and emotional well-being grew louder, becoming a cacophony of stories rather than whispered words, and for a good reason. We started to see that rest, reflection, and personal wellness aren’t just luxuries. They’re necessities.
This day is a call to action for us all: to prioritize our physical, emotional, and mental health consistently, not just when things start to crumble around us.
Why Is Self-Care So Important for Mental and Emotional Health?
Self-care is more than bubble baths, massages, and face masks (though these can definitely be part of self-care). It’s about protecting your peace, managing your energy, and reconnecting with yourself.
And it’s not just something inconsequential that temporarily makes you feel better. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care helps you manage stress, increases your energy, and can lower your risk of illness.² On top of that, Mental Health America highlights how regular self-care can reduce anxiety and depression.³
Even still, many people feel guilty for taking time for themselves. Especially in early recovery, it can feel unfamiliar (even selfish) to focus on yourself. But here’s the truth: when you care for yourself, you’re better able to show up for others. You build emotional resilience. You make clearer decisions. You heal.
Self-Care Day Ideas to Try on July 24 (And Beyond)
Taking care of you doesn’t necessarily mean overhauling your life. Small moments matter. Here are 20+ meaningful self-care ideas to try, whether you start on July 24 or simply a day when you need a little more TLC.
- Try somatic tracking to notice where stress lives in your body
- Use a mood-tracking app like Daylio or Moodnotes
- Create a “digital sunset” to power down your phone at night
- Journal three things you’re grateful for
- Take a 10-minute walk outside
- Declutter one drawer, bag, or folder
- Light a candle and take five deep breaths as you watch the flames flicker
- Cook a nourishing meal from scratch
- Text someone just to say you appreciate them
- Watch a funny video or comedy skit
- Schedule a check-in with a friend where you go deeper than “I’m fine.”
- Start a reverse gratitude journal (What would your past self thank you for?)
- Take a screen-free hour
- Try a body-doubling virtual coworking room to work alongside someone
- Make a list of 5-minute “low-effort wins” (and do them)
- Do something creative: draw, paint, or write
- Walk barefoot in the grass, noticing how the blades feel under your feet
- Practice a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or mindfulness skill
- Send an appreciation voice note
- Compliment yourself in the mirror
- Create a micro-ritual to start or end your day
- Make a “meaning board” of things that give you purpose
- Schedule a therapy appointment
You don’t have to do them all. Just pick one that resonates with you today.
Quick Tip: Self-Care Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline
You don’t need a dedicated spa day or a weekend off to care for yourself. True self-care lies in the little moments, when you tune in to yourself. That could mean setting a boundary, stepping outside for air, or just saying, “I matter, too.”
How to Make Self-Care a Long-Term Lifestyle (Not Just a Day)
Self-care isn’t just another box to tick off on your to-do list. It’s a mindset, one that can take time to build.
The key here is consistency over perfection. You don’t have to hit the ground running, doing every single self-care item on this list. Start small. Make it less overwhelming. Even a 5-minute daily ritual can rewire your nervous system, lower stress, and increase resilience. Think of self-care like brushing your teeth: it works best when it’s routine.
So, when implementing it, try these tips:
- Set realistic expectations. You don’t have to do it all at once.
- Build in reminders and rituals. For example, you might set a notification on your phone that lets you know it’s time to log off for the night and journal.
- Practice saying no without guilt. This can be a hard one, but it’s important to take care of yourself, and sometimes, that means saying no.
- Pay attention to what energizes you versus what drains you. As you find patterns, adjust your days accordingly.
- Reframe self-care as a responsibility, not a reward. Sure, it can feel like a reward, but you shouldn’t only do it as a sort of prize for something.
When self-care becomes part of your identity, not a to-do list, you can really begin to notice the true transformation.
How Cornerstone Encourages Self-Care in Recovery and Mental Health Treatment
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we believe that healing begins with self-respect, and we realize that self-care is an integral part of that journey.
Whether you’re in recovery or working through anxiety, trauma, or depression, our approach integrates:
- Therapy and DBT skills for emotional regulation
- Group support for connection and accountability
- Holistic recovery methods that treat the whole you, not just your symptoms
- Virtual IOP and mental health programs that meet you where you are
We teach self-care as a survival skill, not a side note.
Because when you learn to care for yourself, you create the foundation for lifelong healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Self-Care Day, and why is it celebrated?
International Self-Care Day is observed every year on July 24. The 7/24 date represents the idea that self-care is important 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s a day to bring awareness of the core value of caring for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being in our daily lives, not just when we’re in crisis.
What are some ideas to celebrate Self-Care Day?
You might spend time outside, prepare a healthy meal, or do something creative. You could also journal, meditate, or call a friend you’ve been missing. Whether you choose a mindful moment or an intentional pause, even small acts of care can help you feel more grounded and restored.
What is a 30-day self-care challenge?
A 30-day self-care challenge is a daily commitment to your well-being. Each day, you try one simple, achievable activity that supports your mental, emotional, or physical health. Over time, these seemingly inconsequential acts help build healthier habits and a stronger sense of self-connection.
How does self-care help mental health?
Self-care is among the most effective ways to support your mental health. It helps regulate your nervous system, reduces anxiety, and can lower symptoms of depression. When you consistently prioritize what you need, you build emotional resilience and create a space for healing.
Is self-care just about relaxation and bubble baths?
No, though that might be part of it. Real self-care goes beyond surface-level comfort. It can look like setting boundaries, asking for help, going to therapy, or simply resting when you need to. Self-care is anything that supports the whole you: your growth, emotional balance, and long-term well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- International Self-Care Day is a reminder to care for yourself every day, not just once a year.
- Self-care includes mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness.
- Small actions add up. Even a minute-long mindful moment could shift your entire day.
- Cornerstone Healing Center supports sustainable self-care in therapy, IOP, and recovery programs.
- You are worthy of the same love and energy you give to others.
Take One Step Toward a Healthier You—Today
Self-care starts with one small (but important) decision: to prioritize you.
Pick one action from the list above. Make space for yourself. Let this International Self-Care Day be the beginning of something deeper. Whether you’re taking your first step into self-care or your hundredth, you’re moving closer to a life with more peace, purpose, and presence.
And if you need a helping hand on your journey, we’re here for you. Explore our convenient online mental health program or contact our caring team at Cornerstone Healing Center today.
