International Self-Care Day – Treat Yourself to Better Health

International Self-Care Day is observed on the 24th July each year to raise awareness about the importance of self-care as a key factor in maintaining optimal physical and emotional health.

Highlights:

International Self-Care Day is observed on the 24^th July each year to raise awareness about the importance of self-care as a key factor in maintaining optimal physical and emotional health
Self-care needs to be practiced every day for life, i.e., 24 hours of the day for seven days of the week. Being physically and mentally healthy prevents chronic diseases
Self-care is simple to achieve and all of us should resolve to make a start to take better care of health by simple measures such as eating and sleeping well and gradually aiming for larger goals

International Self-Care Day (ISD) is observed on the 24^th July each year and aims to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our own health to be more productive, as well as to be in a better position to help others and the society at large.

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‘International Self-Care Day, observed on the 24th July each year creates awareness about the importance of self-care. It is essential to recharge our bodies to maintain optimal physical and emotional health. Therefore, self-care is an important aspect of community health and helps prevent chronic diseases.’
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History of International Self-Care Day (ISD)

ISD was founded by the International Self-Care Foundation and has been in function from 2011. The foundation organizes campaigns and programs to educate and promote self-care in the community. The date of ISD has been chosen as 24^th July to underscore the importance of practicing self-care at all times, i.e., 24 hours of the day for seven days of the week.

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What We Can Do to Raise Self-Care Awareness

For a start, each one of us must begin to take better care of our health in order to promote self-care and to urge others to practice self care
Share educational and inspirational messages on social media such as Facebook & Twitter about the merits of self-care and that it is not a selfish thing to take care of one’s health
Doctors and health care workers must educate the public, especially women about the need to take care of their health for the health of their family and community
Self-care as a way of life must be actively promoted through print and visual media through evocative and thought-provoking articles and programs

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Seven Pillars of Self-Care

Health literacy – Be aware of lifestyle measures to remain healthy and avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor sleep, stressful life and unhealthy diet
Self-awareness – Knowing ones strengths and limitations. Doing things we love and enjoy. Remaining optimistic and having realistic goals
Exercise and physical activity – Exercise is the key to prevent several lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and chemicals released by the brain during physical activity have been shown to improve mood
Healthy diet – A healthy well-balanced diet is necessary to avoid nutritional diseases such as malnutrition and obesity. Take plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid junk foods
Avoid risky behaviors – Avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking, excess alcohol intake, sexual promiscuity, recreational drugs, etc are important to prevent serious illnesses including cancer
Practice good hygiene – Practicing good hygiene such as handwashing, not sharing razors, needles or toothbrushes, proper washing and cooking of vegetables and meats can prevent infectious diseases such as amebiasis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis B, C and HIV
Optimal use of health care services – It is important to use health care services optimally, practice safe self-medication and use of other health care products

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Regular Self-Care Measures For Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Here are some self-care tips that help improve your physical and mental health.

Take a walk and get some fresh air every day
Meeting up with friends at least once or twice a month
Plan fun outings with family
Visit or call your parents regularly
Going to bed early and waking up early
Reducing phone or mobile time
Setting aside time for simple stretching exercises, yoga and meditation
Learning to say no if you feel it is going to be stressful
Maintain a diary and note down about your feelings at the end of each day and things that routinely upset or stress you out
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and have healthy snacks at hand
Delegate and encourage kids to help in housework
Power napping after a tiring day to refresh you
Take up a leisure activity you enjoy such as reading, gardening or painting
Watching movies with family
Listening to your favorite music
Volunteer to help in your local community center

In summary, International Self-Care Day aims to create awareness about self-care as a key component of not only individual health, but community health as a whole. Let us all begin to practice self-care and gradually achieve our self-care goals.

References:

Taking Care on International Self-Care Day - (https://www.artwithimpact.org/taking-care-international-self-care-day/)
International Self-Care Day - (https://isfglobal.org/international-self-care-day/)

Source-Medindia