Take time to celebrate International Self-Care Day

Jul 24, 2024

July 24th is the day everyone is encouraged to take a moment to manage their own self-care. Join CMHA Ottawa and other organizations on International Self-Care Day and discover simple, effective ways to maintain positive mental and physical health. 

Self-care means taking time to do things that help you improve your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. It helps you work through problems, navigate challenges, lower stress, and better deal with difficult situations. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Sometimes we view self-care as a selfish act. When self-care isn’t a priority, we can be left feeling overwhelmed, tired, and ill-equipped to handle life’s challenges. That’s why it is so important to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.

Another way to enjoy self-care is to join CMHA Ontario’s newly refreshed provincewide Mood Walks® program. Mood Walks encourages physical activity in nature to boost an individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being. “Green exercise” is a great way to help reduce primary symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as secondary symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. The relaunch of Mood Walks boasts a new nature-inspired logo, an enhanced website, accessible support resources for facilitators, and an open invitation for new partnerships. For more information, visit moodwalks.ca.

Additionally, CMHA Ontario’s Your Health Space program offers valuable resources and training for healthcare workers to build resilient work environments and manage stress effectively. This program focuses on promoting mental health and well-being among healthcare professionals, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive in their roles: a pivotal part of self-care.

The Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) also provides resources aimed at improving mental health services and support for students. CICMH offers a variety of toolkits, webinars, and training sessions designed to help campus communities enhance their mental health strategies and create supportive environments for students.

Embracing self-care is a powerful way to improve overall well-being. Whether through physical activity, professional support, or community programs, taking steps to prioritize your health can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.