We live in a world which constantly asks us to look out for others, which is inherently a good thing, but one can’t help others if we indeed are not in a good state. Even during flights, we are told to put our masks on first before assisting others, this holds true in other places as well.
July 24th is observed as International Self-Care Day, a reminder to reflect on the importance of taking care of oneself, in an era where most of our time is taken on professional work.
According to National Institute of Mental Health, Self-Care means “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.”Michel Foucault, a French Philosopher credited for many Marxist-Leninist ideals, also added his bits to what can be considered self-care. He said “You should pay heed to yourself, apply your mind to yourself, be aware of your qualities. And in this way, you will be able to participate in political life.”
Why is Self-Care Important?
Self-care has numerous benefits which include physical, mental, emotional and preventive care. When you prioritize yourself by taking time to exercise, engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones or preventing burnout, your life can be improved a lot.
So what should you do on this International Self-Care Day?You can rethink your schedule and routine. Check whether you are finding time for yourselves or are just completely busy engaged in being a working corporate slave. Rearrange your schedule and make sure you have at least 1-2 hours for yourself.
Try your hand at a new hobby. Many people spend their lives without trying different things. If you try your hands at something you have never done before, you will unlock avenues within yourself that you might have never known before, like cooking, reading or working out.
Take International Self Care day as a reminder to pause, reflect, and invest in ourselves. It reminds us that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity that everyone should get a chance at, despite their class, religion, caste, gender or sexual orientation. By embracing self-care practices, individuals can cultivate resilience, improve their overall well-being, and ultimately, live more balanced lives. So, this July 24th, take a moment to celebrate yourself and prioritize the care that you deserve. Your well-being matters—today and every day.
Child Help Foundation takes self-care very seriously. We make sure that our volunteers are not burned out by work and take time for celebrations like holidays and festivals. We also regularly hold mental health sessions for students at Ashram Schools in Palghar, Maharashtra.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Make sure to share it with your friends to remind them of the importance of self-care.