International Self-Care Day – Treat Yourself to Better Health

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.

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.

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

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

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.