International Self-Care Day happens on July 24. Are you celebrating? You should be! Whether it’s a lowkey evening at home or a day full of activities that are just for you and your general wellbeing, read on for tips and tricks to ensure your International Self-Care Day is as beneficial as it can be. Whatever self-care goals are this year, Saje can help you meet them.
The importance of self-care
Self-care encompasses a range of actions: it’s about emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. Everything that you can think of that’s for you is self-care. Contrary to some beliefs, self-care is not selfish. You deserve to take care of yourself so that you can be a better, happier person with everyone around you.
For example, parents deserve to be healthy and feel confident to take care of their children. Teachers should feel rested to teach the next generation. Children need to be healthy and balanced to reach their goals. Professionals benefit when they prioritise rejuvenation and inspiration as they strive to meet career milestones. Athletes need time for recovery and strategies to build strength for lasting health. No matter who you are, self-care is the key to a long, happy, and healthy life.
What does self-care include?
To focus on self-care, look at the following:
- Prioritising physical and psychological health
- Managing stress
- Recognizing personal needs (they are different for everyone)
- Fostering healthy, fruitful relationships
- Achieving balance throughout the different areas in your life, such as work-life balance
- Boosting the immune system through healthy routines
- Preventing health problems and injuries
- Accelerating recovery time
- Increasing energy levels
- Improving the way the body moves and responds to external stimuli
- Enhancing productivity and drive
- Boosting self-esteem and self-perception
- Increasing overall life satisfaction
Celebrating International Self-Care Day
Self-care will vary per person; International Self-Care Day will be experienced differently for everyone. You must know yourself and your needs to choose what your priorities are on the day (and throughout your daily self-care journey).
On the day, consider what your unique needs are. Where do you feel your self-care is lacking? Do you put yourself down? Do you need more alone time? Are you constantly stressed? Are you struggling to regulate your emotions? This may simply be the day you use to reflect and find an answer to these questions. If you aren’t sure where your self-care is at, take the day to reflect and make goals for yourself. Pinpoint what parts of yourself need some extra attention.
International Self-Care Day suggestions
1. Reflect
Take as much time as you need to reflect on what would make you a happier, healthier person. Don't skip this step, even if you're adept at prioritising self-care. You may find that your needs have changed over time, and there are gaps that need to be addressed.
2. Include movement
At some point in your day, include movement or some kind of physical activity. Physical activity helps the brain cope with stress. It releases endorphins which make people feel happy and accomplished. If you can get moving outside, that’s even better. You’ll reap the rewards of sunlight, fresh air, and nature. Movement will also help you be in a better mindset for the remainder of the day. Plus, if you move during the first part of your day, you can spend more time afterwards in a relaxing bath or shower.
3. Eat well and stay hydrated
With International Self-Care Day landing on July 24th, outdoor movement or general existence can be hot and humid in many different climates. Remember to stay hydrated to help all of your body’s parts to move seamlessly together. Pair good hydration with healthy food for the day to give your body the nutrients it needs. There’s nothing wrong with a small treat either (like your favourite dessert) to add to this day of self-care.
4. Check-in on your self-care journey
If you don’t already prioritize self-care in your life, now is the time to make a plan, a routine, and set boundaries. Or, if you already have a self-care regimen, check in with your routine and see how it’s working for you. Do you need to add anything? Take away something? Make a change?
Self-care is about you, not everyone else. Set boundaries that make you feel happier and more confident. Make sure that the plans and boundaries you set support a future goal. Make sure that you, and everyone around you, know what your expectations are. Consider what factors in your daily life add stress and see if you can alter how much they affect you. For example, if you’re constantly checking work emails throughout the evening and stressing about what you need to do the next day, set timers on your notifications so you won’t see any emails come in.
5. Prioritize sleep
At the end of the day (or during, if having a nap is part of your plan) set yourself up for quality sleep. Sleep is the time for your body and mind to recover from the day and prepare for another. It’s a healing time that should be prioritised. Poor sleep makes us more susceptible to negative moods and illnesses, whereas quality sleep leaves us feeling refreshed, ready for the day, and mentally strong.
Preparing for quality sleep might include self-care products or stress relief essentials. These aids can help trigger your mind and body to enter sleep mode before you even try to fall asleep. Ensuring you’re in the right headspace for a good sleep is establishing a routine before your head hits the pillow.
Refining self-care with natural relaxation products
To align your mind and body with these five self-care suggestions, use self-care products. There’s such an astounding wealth of options to choose from, you might not know about all of them. At Saje, the products that are created endeavour to support, and be a part of, your self-care journey. There are stress relief essentials and natural relaxation products to help address all of your concerns.
Top self-care products at Saje include:
- Pocket Farmacy Mindful Edition: A collection of five natural relaxation products to support mental and emotional well-being. Choose from Liquid Sunshine,Power Down, Connection, Energy, and Unwind.
- The Goddess Line: Self-care products for balance, mood lift, and bliss. Get them as roll-ons, diffuser blends, deodorants, body wash, and more.
- The Stress Release Line: A collection of self-care products infused with lavender, Roman chamomile, and Clary sage aroma available as roll-ons, diffuser blends, body oil, bath salts, body mists, and more.
Celebrate International Self-Care Day with Saje! Explore the full range of natural products and take advantage of our exclusive offers today.