International Self-Care Day is celebrated on July 24 every year. The day has a special month and date format that looks like 7/24, which means that self-care should be practiced every day of the week, 24 hours a day.
The importance of loving yourself and taking care of your health and mind is highlighted on this day. This year’s theme is “Resilience, Adaptability and Prosperity in Adversity” – a global call to action for people to cultivate resilience, which can help individuals manage stress, cope with negative emotions and maintain physical and mental health.
Dr. Krishna Veer Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of Lissun – A Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Platform, says, “International Self-Care Day is an important reminder that taking care of yourself goes beyond just taking care of our physical health. It also involves paying equal attention to our mental well-being.
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Dr. Gorav Gupta, co-founder of Emoneeds, agrees and says, “In recent years, we have witnessed a sharp rise in mental health issues in India, emphasizing the need to prioritize mental wellbeing alongside physical health. Despite this growing concern, mental health is often overlooked, as society tends to place more emphasis on visible physical ailments. This gap perpetuates the misconception that mental health issues are less important or even unworthy of attention.
“Recognizing and addressing these aspects of self-care is crucial to leading a fulfilling life. When we prioritize our mental health and take steps to manage stress and resolve emotional issues, we lay a solid foundation for our overall well-being,” Dr. Krishna Veer emphasizes.
Dr Gorav comments: “As a result, individuals may be reluctant to seek help or delay accessing mental health professionals for regular checkups, allowing potential problems to escalate in silence. International Self-Care Day serves as a critical platform to address this disparity and promote a more holistic approach to health.
On International Self-Care Day, let’s find out some self-care ways to improve relaxation by finding the kind each person needs.
physical rest
Physical rest can be active or passive. Sleeping or napping counts as passive rest, and engaging in activities such as yoga or stretching that will improve the body’s flexibility and circulation will be active rest.
mental rest
When trying to sleep at night, some of us find it hard to fall asleep because we are unable to turn off the day’s conversation. Remembering to take a break every two hours throughout the day will help you remember to slow down. You can also keep a notepad by your bed to jot down any nagging thoughts.
Sensory rest
Being in front of the screen throughout the day with multiple conversations in the background can make the senses feel overwhelmed. This can be countered by closing your eyes for a minute in the middle of the day and unplugging from electronics towards the end of each day.
creative rest
For anyone who wants to brainstorm new ideas or find solutions, creative rest is a must. Creative rest means not only connecting with nature and looking with wonder, but also being able to appreciate art. It means turning your space into an inspiring space by filling it with things that make you want to be creative.
emotional rest
Some people find it hard to say no to their peers and end up putting themselves in a position they would rather not be in. These people need to know and understand that they can stop saying yes every time and please people.
When asked how they feel instead of plastering a fake smile and lying, they can say what’s bothering them.
Spiritual rest
Engage in activities such as prayer, meditation, etc. to connect beyond the mental and physical. One will feel a deep sense of love and belonging by trying to engage in activities like these on a daily basis.
“By taking care of ourselves holistically, we are better equipped to care for others and contribute positively to society. This allows us to empathize, support others and spread kindness in our communities,” Dr. Krishna Veer concludes.
Dr. Gorav finally mentions that by simply raising awareness of the importance of mental health checkups, we can motivate individuals to value their mental well-being as much as their physical health.
“Normalizing regular visits to mental health professionals also promotes a proactive and preventative approach, where potential problems can be identified early and effectively managed. By de-stigmatizing support-seeking, people are more likely to seek help without fear of judgment, which ultimately leads to improved mental resilience and overall quality of life.”
It’s best to contact a professional if you feel overwhelmed or if things are too much for you to handle.