International Self-Care Day – Let’s Make It a Summer Practice
Self-care has become a buzzword in recent years, but it’s more than face masks and bubble baths. At its core, self-care is about taking intentional action to support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s about caring for your whole self—not just when you hit burnout, but as a regular rhythm of life.
Unfortunately, self-care is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. But without it, we risk feeling constantly overwhelmed, tired, and unequipped to deal with everyday stressors.
That’s why International Self-Care Day, recognized every July 24 (7/24), exists: to remind us that self-care is a daily commitment, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Summer: The perfect time to reset
With its longer days, warmer weather, and shift in routines, summer is a natural invitation to check in with yourself. Ask: How am I really doing? What do I need more (or less) of to feel like myself again?
The International Self-Care Foundation outlines eight key pillars of self-care:
- Physical activity
- Healthy eating
- Mental well-being
- Sleep
- Health literacy
- Risk avoidance
- Hygiene
- Responsible use of health services and products
Each one supports the others—like puzzle pieces creating a picture of well-being.
Try these 5 summer self-care ideas:
- Relax outside – Even 15 minutes in the sun or shade can lift your mood.
- Move your body – Swim, walk, or stretch. Keep it joyful, not punishing.
- Tidy a space – A clutter-free zone can help calm the mind.
- Reconnect – Call a friend or spend time with someone you care about.
- Reflect – What’s one small shift you can make this week to support your well-being?
Here are some resources to help guide you on your self-care journey:
Calendar for August
| Date | Observance |
|---|---|
| All August | National Wellness Month – Promotes self-care, stress management & healthy routines |
| All August | Back to School Safety Month – Encourages safe travel, bullying prevention, and healthy school habits |
| All August | Immunization Awareness Month – Highlights the importance of vaccines for all ages |
| All August | Psoriasis Awareness Month – Focus on chronic autoimmune skin condition management |
| All August | Autoinflammatory Awareness Month – Raises awareness for rare immune system disorders |
| All August | Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month – Supports early diagnosis and care for neuromuscular diseases |
| Aug 1–7 | World Breastfeeding Week – Advocates for maternal and infant health through breastfeeding |
| Aug 7 | World Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia Disorder Day – Awareness for a rare neurological condition |
| Aug 18 | Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Awareness Day – Promotes education on this severe skin reaction and its triggers |
| Aug 19 | World Humanitarian Day – Honours those working in crisis zones, including health and aid workers |
| Aug 31 | International Overdose Awareness Day – Aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness of overdose prevention |
TELUS Health
Here are some of the services that our EAP provider offers:
- Short-Term Counselling
- Legal Advice
- Resources for Mental Health
- Fitness and Health Advice
- Perks and Savings
- Financial Health resources
- Family Relationships
Please log onto the TELUS Health website at: one.telushealth.com or call: 1-844-671-3327