Celebrate International Self-Care Day, July 24th: Take the 24-Hour Challenge

by Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals 

     Did you know July 24th is International Self-Care Day!? Here’s the background and a CHALLENGE for you and your colleagues to participate and promote Self-Care is for Life!

The Scoop

     International Self-Care Day was initiated in 2011 by the International Foundation for Self-Care  to promote “a focus and opportunity to raise the profile of healthy life-style self-care programmes around the world.” Selecting July 24th “symbolizes that benefits of self-care are experienced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!”  Self-care is life-long, not just one day. This year’s theme is Self-Care is for Life!

The Challenge

     As a part of The New Social Worker’s self-care summer, we invite you to a Self-Care Day Challenge! On July 24th, we challenge all of us to engage in self-care in at least 24 ways! Invite your colleagues to participate! Share this challenge with your organization and other networks. Here is a previous blog post on low-cost self-care to spark ideas. Also, here’s my preliminary planning list. 

  1. Take some deep breaths.
  2. Delete something from my to-do list. 
  3. Hydrate!  Drink water.
  4. Stop to smell the roses. 
  5. Do some yoga stretches.
  6. Sleep, nap, rest. (Bed before 11; sleep for at least 7 hours: zzzz-Heaven!)
  7. Express gratitude (out loud or written).
  8. Make a personal care appointment I’ve been delaying—medical, financial planning, therapy, trainer, etc.
  9. Close office door and just sit, enjoying my view.
  10. Do lunch with someone I like.
  11. Have mindful moments. Practice being present during daily tasks, meals, etc. 
  12. Just say a firm “No” to at least one person’s request.
  13. Just say an exuberant “Yes” at least once to what I want.
  14. Do a “drudge” task I’ve been avoiding, e.g., clean out email, car, or other area.
  15. Read or listen to something spiritual/religious/inspiring.
  16. Prepare a healthy meal.
  17. Ask for help.
  18. Journal about what really matters.
  19. Sign up for a continuing education offering. 
  20. Walk in nature.
  21. Sing, dance, jump around.
  22. Hugs!
  23. Consult with trusted colleague(s) about a stressful work issue.
  24. Update my SMART self-care plan to Re-set and Re-commit for self-care as a lifestyle.

     Share your ideas. And let us know how your challenge goes in the comments below! Happy International Self-Care Day! Self-Care is for Life!

Peace, Love, & Self-Care,

Erlene

Dr. Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, MSW, MRE, is a Partner in The Wellness Group, ETC.  This LLC provides evaluation, training, and consultation for organizational wellness and practitioner well-being. Dr. Grise-Owens is lead editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals.  As a former faculty member and graduate program director, she and a small (but mighty!) group of colleagues implemented an initiative to promote self-care as part of the social work education curriculum. Previously, she served in clinical and administrative roles. She has experience with navigating toxicity and dysfunction, up-close and personal! Likewise, as an educator, she saw students enter the field and quickly burn out. As a dedicated social worker, she believes the well-being of practitioners is a matter of social justice and human rights. Thus, she is on a mission to promote self-care and wellness!