International Self-Care Day

July 24th is International Self-Care Day. Consider it a time to recommit to prioritizing your well-being.

Fun Fact: The date July 24 (07/24) is symbolic and was chosen because self-care should be a 24/7, year round practice.

What we can all do:

Engage in activities that help you recharge. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Get enough sleep

Tips:

go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
avoid caffeine, large meals, or vigorous exercise close to bedtime
keep your room temperature on the cooler side
avoid scrolling on your phone before bed
keep your room dark
journal your worries before bedtime so you can leave them behind with your day
practice your mindfulness or breathing exercises before bed (see ideas below)

Practice Mindfulness/Breathing Techniques:

Options:

Do a few rounds of 4462 Breathing: breathe in through your nose for 4, hold for 4, breathe out through pursed lips for 6, pause for 2. Repeat.
Listen to a sleep story on the “Calm” App.
Visit www.mindfulmike.ca and click on “meditations” at the top and follow along with any of the guided techniques listed.
Take a restorative yoga class or follow along with one on YouTube.
Try a progressive muscle relaxation technique. Go here for a How-To.

Engage in hobbies that bring you joy:

Maybe it’s spending time in your garden, reading a book, painting, fishing, cooking, learning a new language, or volunteering with an organization you care about. Time spent doing something that makes you happy is time well spent.

Spend time out in nature:

We are so fortunate to live where we do. Beautiful forests, sandy beaches, ocean surf, and pristine lakes are, quite literally, in our backyards. Science shows spending time out in nature is good for our nervous systems, so get out and enjoy!

Connect with your loved ones:

Maybe you’re overdue for a coffee or lunch date with a friend. Maybe it’s time to pick up the phone and call or FaceTime with someone and catch up. Join a local club or volunteer and maybe even meet someone new. Or why not throw it back old school, and send someone a letter in the mail. As humans, we’re wired for connection.

Eat Healthy

Ideas:

Try a new, nutritious recipe using local ingredients.
Take a cooking class.
Meal prep for the week to ensure healthy eating all week long.

Move your body

We all know exercise is good for us and that the benefits of doing it regularly are many. So, set an intention to move your body and enjoy those endorphins! Summer is a wonderful time to get in the healthy habit of regular exercise. Some ideas:

Book a tee time and enjoy a round of golf
Walk in the forest
Go for a paddle (kayak, canoe, SUP)
Bike the trails
Hike
Swim
Tennis or pickle ball

Self-care is crucial for maintaining our physical and mental well-being. So, let July 24th be a day you recommit to the healthy habits you’re already doing or let it be the day you start! You’re worth it!

Shannon LawrenceJuly 24, 2025#comoxphysio, #selfcare, #physiotherapy, #physicaltherapy, #wellbeing, #mentalhealth, #movementismedicine

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International Self-Care Day

July 24th is International Self-Care Day. Consider it a time to recommit to prioritizing your well-being.

Fun Fact: The date July 24 (07/24) is symbolic and was chosen because self-care should be a 24/7, year round practice.

What we can all do:

Engage in activities that help you recharge. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Get enough sleep

Tips:

go to bed and wake up at the same time each day

avoid caffeine, large meals, or vigorous exercise close to bedtime

keep your room temperature on the cooler side

avoid scrolling on your phone before bed

keep your room dark

journal your worries before bedtime so you can leave them behind with your day

practice your mindfulness or breathing exercises before bed (see ideas below)

Practice Mindfulness/Breathing Techniques:

Options:

Do a few rounds of 4462 Breathing: breathe in through your nose for 4, hold for 4, breathe out through pursed lips for 6, pause for 2. Repeat.

Listen to a sleep story on the “Calm” App.

Visit www.mindfulmike.ca and click on “meditations” at the top and follow along with any of the guided techniques listed.

Take a restorative yoga class or follow along with one on YouTube.

Try a progressive muscle relaxation technique. Go here for a How-To.

Engage in hobbies that bring you joy:

Maybe it’s spending time in your garden, reading a book, painting, fishing, cooking, learning a new language, or volunteering with an organization you care about. Time spent doing something that makes you happy is time well spent.

Spend time out in nature:

We are so fortunate to live where we do. Beautiful forests, sandy beaches, ocean surf, and pristine lakes are, quite literally, in our backyards. Science shows spending time out in nature is good for our nervous systems, so get out and enjoy!

Connect with your loved ones:

Eat Healthy

Ideas:

Try a new, nutritious recipe using local ingredients.

Take a cooking class.

Meal prep for the week to ensure healthy eating all week long.

Move your body

We all know exercise is good for us and that the benefits of doing it regularly are many. So, set an intention to move your body and enjoy those endorphins! Summer is a wonderful time to get in the healthy habit of regular exercise. Some ideas:

Book a tee time and enjoy a round of golf

Walk in the forest

Go for a paddle (kayak, canoe, SUP)

Bike the trails

Hike

Swim

Tennis or pickle ball

Self-care is crucial for maintaining our physical and mental well-being. So, let July 24th be a day you recommit to the healthy habits you’re already doing or let it be the day you start! You’re worth it!