From June 24 to July 24, we are celebrating International Self-Care Month. It is a reminder that looking after ourselves isn’t a luxury, but a vital part of maintaining our mental and physical wellbeing.
When people hear “self-care,” they often think of spa days, expensive wellness products, or taking a holiday. While those things can be enjoyable and relaxing, self-care is really about the everyday choices that help us manage stress, build resilience, and stay well.
The reality is that many of us are juggling studies, work, family, and other responsibilities, which can make self-care feel like just another item on an already full to-do list. But meaningful self-care doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Taking a walk, enjoying a warm bath, listening to music, tending to plants, practising yoga, or connecting with friends are all simple ways to recharge. At TELL, we also offer a number of opportunities to support your wellbeing through our monthly yoga sessions and community pub quizzes, helping people connect while taking time for themselves.
One way to make self-care more accessible is to create a self-care toolkit. This is a collection of items and reminders unique to you that help you feel calm, grounded, and supported. It might include a favourite playlist, comforting scents, photos of loved ones, a journal, grounding exercises, positive affirmations, or a list of people you can reach out to for support. You don’t need to fill your kit with lots of things right away. It is something you can build on over time and use when you are feeling stressed and don’t have to worry about figuring out might help you.
There is no single “right” way to practise self-care. The important thing is finding small, sustainable habits that help you care for your mind and body because even small moments of self-care can make a meaningful difference over time and make us more resilient. This month, what are some small steps you can take to support your self-care?
You can visit our website for more information about our monthly events, and you can reach out to our Lifeline every day of the year about any topic that might be worrying you.
