The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as, âindividuals, families and communitiesâ promoting and maintaining their own health, preventing disease, and coping with illness and disability, with or without the support of a health workerâ. Self-care just started to slowly be acknowledged as a priority for oneâs health during the 1970âs. That is why International Self-Care Day was established in 2011 to raise awareness about this issue and to educate individuals throughout the world how vitally important self-care is to oneâs health.
International Self-Care Day is specifically celebrated on July 24 to show that self-care should be utilized seven days a week and throughout 24 hours in a day.
International Self-Care Day encourages individuals throughout different parts of the world to make self-care a part of their daily routine whether it be following a healthy diet, exercising, proper cleanliness, or even developing disease-prevention strategies to incorporate in oneâs daily routine. It also gives an opportunity to increase awareness of healthy living and self-care programs all over the world that should be utilized by their community members.
International Self-Care Day allows an individual to acknowledge where they have been lacking in self-care and empowering them to be active agents in their own healthcare. By having individuals at the center of their own healthcare, it relieves pressure on healthcare systems.
Currently half of the world lack access to essential health services. The World Health Organization recommends self-care interventions for every country and economic setting, as a critical path to reach universal health coverage, promote health, and serve the vulnerable.
Did you know:
- 4.3 billion people with inadequate access to essential facility-based health services
- An estimated global shortage of health workers of 10 million health workers, mainly in low-and-middle income countries
- 1 in 5 of the worldâs population living in humanitarian crises, during which health systems are particularly challenged to deliver essential services
- Pandemics, like COVID-19, armed conflicts and climate change also disrupting and stretching health services worldwide
- International Self-Care Day stresses the importance of an individual taking care of their well-being and highlights the many benefits that come with self-care which areâ
- Maintains self esteem and self confidence: When you prioritize self-care, it helps to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
- It teaches resilience: When we take care of ourselves and our mental health, we can handle challenges better, which is important for maintaining resilience.
- Self-care gives energy: Self-care reduces stress and has several benefits, including increased energy, better sleep, and increases clarity.
- Self-care lessens symptoms of anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression symptoms can be lessened by self-love. Self-compassionate people have a lower risk of getting anxiety or being depressed according to studies.
Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides self-care tips such as;
- Get regular exercise
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated.
- Make sleep a priority.
- Try a relaxing activity.
- Set goals and priorities.
- Practice gratitude.
- Focus on positivity.
- Stay connected.
Utilizing self-care daily helps not only the individual but the community they reside in as well.
International Self-Care Day is a great way to show love and compassion for oneself and a great reminder to always take care of yourself.
For additional information about this article or to further discuss community awareness and prevention, please contact Twin County Recovery Services, Inc.âs Prevention Department.
Please contact Prevention Director Tara Eldred at tarae@twincountyrecoveryservices.org or 518-943-2036 ext. 3311 with any questions or concerns regarding prevention.
Holly Whiston is a Prevention Specialist at Twin County Recovery Services, Inc. which is a private, not for profit organization incorporated in 1974 and a NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services agency. Twin County Recovery Services Inc. helps alleviate the devastating effects of substance use disorder in the communities of Columbia and Greene Counties.
