July 24 is International Self-Care Day, a reminder that caring for ourselves is not a one-time activity or something we only do after burnout sets in. Self-care is part of how we sustain our health, relationships, work, and ability to show up for others. The World Health Organization describes self-care as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability, with or without support from a health worker.

For those working in behavioral health, social work, counseling, peer support, caregiving, advocacy, and community service, self-care can be especially important. The work is meaningful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Self-care does not have to be expensive, complicated, or time-consuming. Often, it begins with small, consistent practices that help protect energy, restore focus, and support connection.

Try these everyday self-care practices:

  • Check in with yourself before checking in with everyone else.
    Take one minute at the start of the day to ask: What am I carrying? What do I need? What can wait? This small pause can help you enter the day with more awareness and intention.
  • Build recovery into your routine.
    Self-care is not only what we do after a hard week. It can be a short walk between meetings, drinking water before another cup of coffee, stepping away from your screen, taking lunch away from your desk, or giving yourself a few quiet minutes after a difficult conversation.
  • Protect your physical foundation.
    Stress is harder to manage when our basic needs are ignored. Sleep, movement, food, hydration, and medical care are not extras; they are part of sustainable wellness. NAMI notes that protecting physical health can support mental health and strengthen our ability to maintain healthy habits.
  • Notice your stress signals.
    Pay attention to the signs that you may be reaching capacity: irritability, fatigue, difficulty focusing, feeling disconnected, headaches, tension, or loss of motivation. NAMI encourages recognizing personal stress triggers and using that awareness to plan for support and coping strategies.
  • Create boundaries that support your capacity.
    A boundary may look like closing your laptop at a reasonable time, pausing before saying yes, limiting after-hours messages when possible, or asking for clarification when a task feels overwhelming. Boundaries are not about caring less; they help us care with more sustainability.
  • Stay connected.
    Connection is a form of self-care. Reach out to a colleague, friend, family member, peer, supervisor, or trusted support before stress becomes isolation. Even a brief conversation can remind us that we do not have to carry everything alone.
  • Use July 24 as a reset point.
    On International Self-Care Day, choose one small practice you can repeat beyond the day itself. It might be a daily walk, a weekly check-in with a friend, a five-minute breathing practice, a consistent lunch break, or a commitment to ask for support sooner.

Self-care is not selfish, and it is not separate from the work of helping others. It is one way we sustain compassion, presence, and purpose — not just on July 24, but every day.

Looking for additional support or wellness resources?

Explore these organizations for information, tools, crisis support, and community connection. Click the links to learn more:

World Health Organization — Self-Care Resources
Information on self-care as a way individuals, families, and communities can promote health, prevent illness, maintain wellness, and cope with health challenges. (WHO)

National Institute of Mental Health — Caring for Your Mental Health
Practical tips for supporting mental health, including movement, sleep, relaxation, goal setting, gratitude, and staying connected. (NIMH)

NAMI — Managing Stress
Guidance on recognizing stress triggers, building coping strategies, and developing a personalized approach to managing stress and supporting mental health. (NAMI)

NAMI — Taking Care of Yourself
Resources for family members, caregivers, and supporters who are caring for others while also needing to protect their own well-being. (NAMI)

CDC — Managing Stress
Everyday strategies for coping with stress, including taking breaks from news and social media, making time to unwind, practicing gratitude, and connecting with others. (CDC)

Mental Health America — Self-Care and Mental Health Resources
Tools and information to help individuals understand their mental health, support loved ones, and access mental health information for personal, professional, and community use. (Mental Health America)