International Self-Care Day was set up to remind us to make our health a priority every day of the year. The date, 7/24, is tied to the idea that self-care is important 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’ve been putting everyone else’s needs before your own, you’re not alone.
At Steel Wellness, our Pennsylvania outpatient mental health and addiction treatment programs help people rebuild healthy routines and find the support they need to feel like themselves again.
What Is International Self-Care Day?
International Self-Care Day encourages people to make small choices that support their physical and mental health. It reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t something we should only do when life feels overwhelming.
For many people, self-care is one of the first things to disappear during stressful seasons, like when you’re facing a mental health condition or addiction.
This awareness day encourages you to slow down, check in with yourself, and remember that your well-being matters, too.
Self-Care in the U.S. and Beyond
Self-care isn’t just a popular wellness trend. It’s something millions of people practice to improve their overall health and well-being.
One research study on Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia found that about 40% to 55% of adults actively practice some form of self-care.
In the U.S., 49.2% of adults self-reported practicing regular self-care. Many say they do it because they want to take a more active role in managing their health.
While self-care can’t prevent or treat every mental health condition, healthy daily habits can help you manage stress, improve your mood, and support your overall well-being.
That’s why International Self-Care Day encourages people to make self-care part of their everyday lives, not just something they think about once in a while.
Why Self-Care Often Falls to the Bottom of Your List
Life gets busy. Between work, family, school, and everyday responsibilities, it’s easy to keep pushing yourself without taking a break.
You may tell yourself you’ll rest after the next project, appointment, or busy week. Before long, weeks or even months have passed, and you’ve forgotten what it feels like to recharge.
Mental health issues can make this even harder. Depression can leave you without the energy to care for yourself.
Anxiety can make it difficult to slow your thoughts long enough to rest. Addiction may cause your health and daily routines to become less of a priority.
Signs Your Self-Care Needs More Attention
Sometimes your mind and body let you know it’s time to slow down. The signs aren’t always obvious at first.
You might notice that:
- You feel tired most days, even after sleeping.
- You feel stressed from the moment you wake up.
- You’re more irritable than usual.
- You don’t enjoy the activities you used to love.
- You’re skipping meals or staying up too late.
- You’re relying on alcohol or drugs to cope with stress.
- You feel like you’re simply getting through each day.
Noticing these signs doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means your mind and body may need more care and support.
Simple Self-Care Habits That Help Refill Your Cup
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Often, the smallest habits make the biggest difference.
You can start by:
- Taking a short walk during the day.
- Eating regular meals instead of skipping them.
- Going to bed a little earlier.
- Spending time with someone who makes you feel supported.
- Turning off your phone for an hour.
- Making time for a hobby you enjoy.
- Taking a few minutes to simply slow down and breathe.
- Making time for moving your body every day.
You don’t have to change everything at once. One small self-care habit today can make tomorrow feel a little easier.
When Self-Care Includes Asking for Help
International Self-Care Day also reminds us that asking for help is an important form of self-care.
Sometimes healthy habits alone aren’t enough to manage depression, anxiety, trauma, or addiction. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, professional treatment can provide the support you need while helping you rebuild those healthy routines.
Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s one of the healthiest decisions you can make for yourself.
How Behavioral Health Treatment Can Help You Prioritize Self-Care
If your mental health or substance use has made self-care feel impossible, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Treatment can help you rebuild healthy routines while giving you the tools to manage life’s challenges more effectively.
At Steel Wellness, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) help you develop practical coping skills, manage stress, and create daily habits that support long-term recovery.
As your confidence grows, caring for yourself can begin to feel more natural again.
Build Stronger Self-Care Habits With Steel Wellness
International Self-Care Day reminds us that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s one of the most important investments you can make in your mental health and overall well-being.
If you’ve been running on empty, Steel Wellness is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more about our outpatient mental health and addiction treatment programs in Pennsylvania and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced future.
FAQs About International Self-Care Day and How To Prioritize Taking Care of Yourself
What is International Self-Care Day?
International Self-Care Day is observed each year on July 24 to encourage people to make self-care part of their everyday routine.
The day highlights how caring for your physical, emotional, and mental well-being can support overall health throughout the year.
What are examples of healthy self-care?
Healthy self-care looks different for everyone but may include getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness, spending time with supportive people, or taking breaks when you need them.
The goal is to build habits that support your long-term well-being.
Can self-care improve mental health?
Self-care can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support emotional well-being. However, self-care is not a replacement for professional treatment.
If symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use are affecting your daily life, seeking professional support may be an important next step.
When should I seek professional help instead of relying on self-care?
If your symptoms persist, worsen, or begin interfering with work, school, relationships, or daily responsibilities, it’s time to consider professional treatment.
Programs like PHP and IOP provide structured support while helping you develop healthy coping skills and work toward lasting recovery.
Sources
- Mun, S., Park, J.-H., Baek, S.-M., Lee, M., Choi, S.-M., & Lee, S. (2016). Self-care use patterns in the UK, US, Australia, and Japan: A multinational web-based survey. Integrative Medicine Research, 5(2), 151–160. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5381426/. Accessed on July 27, 2026.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2025). Caring for your mental health. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health. Accessed on July 27, 2026.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Self-Care Month. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/06/24/default-calendar/self-care-month. Accessed on July 27, 2026.