July 24 is International Self-Care Day—a chance to discuss the importance of taking care of yourself and the role self-care plays in leading a healthy lifestyle and your overall well-being. 

Self-care is about making positive choices and developing good habits that help your physical and mental health. The benefits of self-care are experienced every moment of your life, which is why today (24/7) is a reminder that prioritising your own health is a lifelong pursuit.

Increase behaviours that benefit your health, such as:

• exercise

• eating fresh fruit and vegetables

• drinking water

• proper rest and sleep

• using sunscreen

• wearing a seatbelt in the car

• good hygiene

• taking breaks

Reduce behaviours that can be detrimental to your health, like:

• smoking and vaping

• excessive alcohol

• constant electronic use

• 24/7 connectivity to social media outlets

• negative thought patterns

• underestimating your ability to cope with challenges

Self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For most of us, the pandemic has meant many of our normal self-care practices were put on hold. Other self-care practices, like hand washing, became even more important.

If you had medical appointments that were cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic, this is your reminder to re-book. Many clinics and health offices have put proper COVID-19 precautions into place and are resuming regular service. Don't put off that eye test / dental appointment / annual physical / prostate exam / mammogram.

Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Protect vulnerable people. Follow physical distancing guidelines when they are required. These are all a part of good self-care, because stopping the spread of COVID-19 is beneficial to our collective well-being.