Self-care is an umbrella term for many different activities and routines you can pursue, all with the goal of reducing physical and mental tension in their various forms.
Much more than just an excuse to veg out, the World Health Organization thinks self-care is important enough to have a whole month dedicated to it, culminating with International Self-Care Day on Monday, July 24. Prioritizing self-care means taking an active role in your own health, and the benefits extend beyond stress relief and mood improvement to disease prevention and longevity.
And while we may all occasionally benefit from creating space to do “nothing,” you’ll find that some of the most effective ways to embody self-care are quite intentional and proactive. So check out these four inspirations for unwinding this month, and participate in a worldwide movement of health-conscious enjoyment.
1. Spend time outdoors
We only have to look back a short time ago—around the height of the pandemic and the social isolation era—to recall the major toll that too much time indoors can take on our physical and mental health.
On the other hand, reconnecting with nature is a profound experience that touches on so many different aspects of overall wellness. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the positive results of spending time outdoors include:
- Improved heart health
- Soothed muscle tension
- Reduction in levels of cortisol (often called the “stress hormone”)
- Lower risk of depression
- Increased psychological resilience
- More willingness to engage with people
Outdoor time could mean anything from learning some new steps in Riverside Park with the New York City Swing Dance Group, or getting a vigorous workout with Kayak-Cardio at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta.
2. Pick up a mindful hobby
Any activity that pulls your focus from the internal toward something external can be a healthy pursuit of mindfulness.
For example, you could find a group like Drink and Draw Bay in San Francisco, whose 3,500 members gather both in-person and online with people from around the world to let off steam through creative expression.
Popular hobbies under the mindfulness umbrella include other art forms like writing and photography, as well as more intentional tension-relievers like yoga and meditation, both of which you could try out with a group like Sunday Morning Sunset Cliffs Yoga in San Diego.
3. Commit to making one healthy change
Ride the current of International Self-Care Day toward a brighter and more positive future by identifying one habit or routine you can improve.
It could be something as simple as deciding to put down your devices an hour before bed, or you might look into some refreshing exercises to perform in the morning. With the support of a group like Fit Over ‘50’ in Green Bay, you could join a summer healthy eating and home cooking initiative.
4. Be intentional about being social
Community isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s a potentially life-changing connection between you and fellow human beings that you can create with just a little effort. So in the spirit of the holiday, care for yourself by caring for others. Try to reconnect with an old friend, family member, former classmate, or coworker who you’ve fallen out of touch with recently. Don’t overthink it: just reach out and say hello!
You can also broaden your sense of community by establishing new connections and revitalizing your social life. Check out a straightforward and easy social activity with groups like First Friday Charleston- Professional Networking Happy Hour or the Coffee Club of Seattle. Find the first upcoming event that fits into your schedule and register for it. You’ll be well on your way toward sparking new friendships.
And as always, if you don’t see a fitting community in your area, you can easily create your own Meetup group centered on any theme, and invite others to join you in the social act of mutual self-care.
Try a social activity by joining a group for friendship and attending the first event that fits into your schedule. Don’t overthink it–just register and go!
Last modified on July 18, 2023
