International Self-Care Day: How to support your well-being with intention
International Self-Care Day, observed on July 24, is a global reminder that taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health should be a daily priority.
This blog article explains the purpose of the International Self-Care Day, why intentional self-care matters, and how to make it meaningful and sustainable in your life.
What is International Self-Care Day?
International Self-Care Day was established in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation. It highlights self-care as an essential component of health and wellness—not an extra.
The date, 7/24, was chosen to reinforce a simple idea: self-care should happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That includes small, routine actions that support well-being over time.
More than 150 countries recognize the day. Governments, public health agencies, and wellness organizations use it to educate and mobilize people to take better care of themselves—and each other.
Why self-care matters
Self-care improves health outcomes, lowers stress, and builds resilience.
That’s not an opinion. It’s actually backed by data.
Research shows that structured self-care habits—such as meditation, sleep hygiene, and physical activity—reduce stress and support emotional regulation. Meditation, for example, has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. (Apps like Balance provide evidence-based guided meditations that make it easier to build a consistent practice.)
Physical self-care, like regular movement and healthy eating, lowers the risk of chronic conditions and improves energy levels. Emotionally, people who maintain regular self-care routines often feel more in control of their lives and experience fewer mood fluctuations.
These benefits also scale. In workplaces, access to self-care resources can reduce burnout. In communities, public self-care initiatives are linked to lower healthcare costs and better quality of life.
How to celebrate International Self-Care Day
International Self-Care Day is a chance to check in with your habits and make adjustments—not necessarily to start over, but to act with more intention.
Try one or two of these intentional self-care practices this week:
- Take a 15-minute walk without your phone
- Cancel a nonessential obligation
- Meditate with a guided session
- Schedule a routine health checkup
- Cook a meal with whole ingredients
- Set a boundary with someone who drains your energy
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier
Consistency is more effective than intensity. Instead of trying to do everything, start with what’s sustainable.
If you’re a team leader, encourage your group to participate by offering mental health breaks or access to mindfulness resources. Make self-care part of your workplace culture.
Self-care vs. self-indulgence: What’s the difference?
Self-care supports your long-term health. Self-indulgence, by contrast, often involves short-term comfort at the expense of well-being.
For instance, taking a break to recharge is self-care. Avoiding a tough conversation by binge-watching TV may be self-indulgence. The difference is intent and frequency.
Effective self-care takes effort. It might mean going to therapy, saying no, or getting regular exercise. These aren’t always easy, but they contribute to lasting well-being.
Global self-care initiatives and campaigns
International organizations view self-care as a public health solution. The World Health Organization includes self-care in its universal health strategies, with a focus on medication safety, reproductive health, and mental wellness.
The International Self-Care Foundation created the “Seven Pillars of Self-Care” to guide countries in building effective policies and education programs. Countries like Canada and Kenya are implementing national self-care initiatives that improve access to health resources and raise awareness.
You can support these efforts by sharing science-backed resources, participating in community events, or advocating for better access to healthcare and education.
FAQs about International Self-Care Day
When is International Self-Care Day?
July 24 every year.
What are examples of self-care?
Activities that maintain or improve well-being: meditation, movement, sleep hygiene, therapy, hydration, nutritious meals, and rest.
How do you observe Self-Care Day?
Choose one meaningful action that supports your physical or mental health. Do it with intention.
Who started International Self-Care Day?
The day was created by the International Self-Care Foundation in 2011.
Final thoughts: Small acts, consistent impact
A five-minute meditation, a canceled plan, a full night’s sleep—these choices add up. And International Self-Care Day is a reminder that your well-being deserves attention, not just in moments of stress, but every day.
If you’re looking for a simple way to commit to self-care, download the Balance app. You’ll get free access to guided meditations, personalized plans, and practical tools to help you stay consistent.
Start with one session today.
Then keep going.
That’s how real change happens.
