Self Care Day



Posted 24/07/2025





We are a society which is constantly juggling work pressures, family pressures and society pressures. Stopping and practicing self care once or twice a week, could help lift your mood to enable you to not only cope better, but to feel better too.


Self-care encompasses actions individuals take to maintain and improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves actively looking after yourself, making conscious choices to nurture your health and overall happiness, and addressing your needs proactively. Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all concept; what works for one person may not work for another. It can range from basic needs like getting enough sleep and eating healthy to engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or seeking social connection.


Ultimately, self-care is about understanding your own needs and making choices that support your well-being. International Self-Care Day in July 2025 will be on July 24th. This day is observed annually to highlight the importance of self-care for overall health and well-being. The date, 24/7, is symbolic of the idea that self-care should be practiced every day.


International Self-Care Day encourages individuals to prioritize their health through conscious, daily self-care practices. These practices can include things like getting enough rest, making healthy food choices, managing stress, and seeking support when needed. The day is a reminder that self-care is not a luxury but a vital part of self-preservation and overall well-being.



WHO’s working definition of self-care is:



“The ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider”.


Self-care is the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them. It is a decision-making process that empowers individuals to look after their own health efficiently and conveniently, in collaboration with health and social care professionals as needed.




Self-care involves:



  1. Making healthy lifestyle choices - being physically active and eating healthily
  2. Avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits – avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  3. Making responsible use of prescription and non-prescription medicines
  4. Self-recognition of symptoms - assessing and addressing symptoms, in partnership with a healthcare professional where necessary
  5. Self-monitoring - checking for signs of deterioration or improvement
  6. Self-management - managing symptoms of disease, either alone, in partnership with healthcare professionals, or alongside other people with the same health condition


Better choices



Self-care gives people greater availability of effective healthcare. It saves individuals time and effort, by allowing them to manage many health conditions conveniently and successfully by themselves. It lets individuals address basic needs without the complications and added effort of going to see a doctor.



Better care



Self-care empowers people to take their health and wellbeing into their own hands, giving them the incentive to improve their quality of life. It plays a key role in the prevention of certain conditions and improves recovery times where total prevention fails. It’s a critical part of well-being at all stages of life.



Better value



Self-care helps combat rising healthcare costs around the world. Short-term investments in self-care lead to demonstrable long-term savings for governments and healthcare industries across the world. Self-care eases the workload of strained healthcare systems by enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently and effectively.



Examples of self-care techniques:



Physical



  • Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, running, yoga, or dancing.
  • Healthy Eating: Focus on nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
  • Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.


Emotional



  • Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment, potentially through meditation or deep breathing exercises.
  • Emotional Regulation: Identify and manage your emotions, seeking support when needed.
  • Express Yourself: Find healthy outlets for emotional expression, such as journaling or creative activities.


Mental



  • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
  • Set Goals and Priorities: Organise your tasks and responsibilities to reduce overwhelm.
  • Learn New Things: Engage in activities that stimulate your mind and promote personal growth, like taking a class or learning a new skill.


Social



  • Connect with Others: Spend time with loved ones, engage in social activities, or join a community group.
  • Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for emotional support.


Spiritual



  • Engage in Spiritual Practices: If you have religious or spiritual beliefs, incorporate them into your self-care routine.
  • Practice Gratitude: Take time to appreciate the positive aspects of your life.


Environmental



  • Organise and Declutter: Create a peaceful and calming environment by organizing your living space.
  • Spend Time in Nature: Immerse yourself in natural surroundings to promote relaxation and well-being.


Creating a personalised self-care routine:



  • Identify your needs: Reflect on what activities make you feel happy, relaxed, and energised.
  • Start small: Begin with a few simple self-care practices and gradually incorporate more activities. • Be consistent: Make self-care a regular part of your routine, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.
  • Listen to your body and mind: Pay attention to your needs and adjust your self-care practices accordingly.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're struggling to implement self-care practices or experiencing mental health challenges, seek support from a professional.


This July 24th, take some time to give your self some self-care. If you would like some tips or to talk about self-care, you can talk to your counsellor here at PCS. You can contact Jaime on 07399 809671 or jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk There is a also a drop in every Tuesday evening 5pm-8pm where you can contact Jaime confidentially.



Virtual Drop-in Clinic





If you are feeling a little down, worried about the current pandemic, or just looking to let off some steam; our counsellor is now providing virtual drop-in sessions every Tuesday.


Issues or concerns discussed with Jaime do not need to be work related; but could include home life, relationship, or health concerns.


We want you to be assured that the counsellor here at PCS is there to listen to you in a confidential, safe and secure space.


This service is completely confidential and free to all our Staff.



PCS (Personal Care Services) Ltd



West Lancashire Investment Centre, Maple View, White Moss Business Park, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9TG.

Tel: 01695 553930 | Email: enquiries@personal-careservices.co.uk

CQC Registration No.: 1-102477663




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