Celebrate Self-Care Month with Intention

Did you know that Self-Care Month begins on 24 June and ends a month later on 24 July, which is recognised as International Self-Care Day? The choice of dates is beautifully intentional—because self-care is something we can (and should) practice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This reminder helps us see self-care not as a self-indulgence, but as something essential to how we live and care for ourselves every day.It’s a quiet, everyday rhythm, a gentle thread connecting us amid chaos, stillness, awe, and exhaustion.

I’ve learned self-care is important the hard way—it’s more than just bubble baths and candles, though those are nice! I’m focusing on making choices that benefit my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

Why Self-Care Deserves a Whole Month

Self-care is a radical act of reclaiming ourselves. When the world demands so much of us—our time, energy, attention—it’s easy to lose touch with what we need. A month dedicated to self-care invites us to slow down, take stock, and begin (or continue) building practices that sustain us. And what better time than mid-year? It’s a chance to reset and realign before we head into the second half of the year.

Some of us grew up believing that putting ourselves last was virtuous. That rest was laziness. That asking for help was weakness. But slowly, gently, we are unlearning. We are beginning to understand that when we nourish ourselves, we show up better for the people and work we care about. We start making choices from a place of wholeness rather than depletion.

“Self-care is how you take your power back.” – Lalah Delia

This month-long observance offers us space to reflect on what self-care really means to each of us—not just the outward practices, but the inward healing. Not just the soothing acts, but the strengthening ones too.

For me, self-care has looked different at different times—sometimes it’s stepping away from something, and sometimes it’s choosing to stay. Sometimes it’s putting on my walking shoes, and sometimes it’s putting myself to bed early. It’s learning to listen to what I truly need, rather than what I think I should do.

Self-Care Isn’t Always Soft

Self-care isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it’s setting boundaries that disappoint others. Sometimes it’s turning down a commitment, saying no to another Zoom call, or cancelling plans to protect your peace. Sometimes it’s sitting with hard feelings, asking for support, or making a doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.

“Self-care is not a waste of time; self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.” – Jackie Viramontez

So no matter where you are on your journey—whether you’re just beginning to think about self-care, or you’ve already cultivated a few grounding rituals—this month is your invitation to recommit, reimagine, and reclaim what it means to care deeply for yourself.

30 Self-Care Ideas for 30 Days of Gentle Living

Here are 30 simple, soulful self-care ideas—one for each day of Self-Care Month. You can follow them in order, pick one at random, or just let them inspire your own rhythm.

1. Start your day slowly – wake up gently with deep breaths or a stretch.
2. Drink a glass of water before coffee or tea – hydration first.
3. Take a short walk outdoors – even 10 minutes can reset your mind.
4. Say no to something that doesn’t feel right – protect your peace.
5. Write down three things you’re grateful for – small joys count.
6. Unfollow or mute accounts that drain your energy.
7. Declutter one small area – a drawer, your purse, your inbox.
8. Call or message someone you love – connection is care.
9. Do a body scan meditation or guided relaxation.
10. Create a ‘comfort list’ of things that help you feel safe and calm.
11. Spend time in nature – feel the earth beneath your feet.
12. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb for an hour – reclaim your attention.
13. Take a nap or go to bed early – rest is a right, not a reward.
14. Make something with your hands – bake, paint, craft, plant.
15. Listen to music that makes you feel alive – and dance if you feel like it.
16. Journal your thoughts without editing – let your feelings flow.
17. Treat yourself like someone you love – speak kindly to yourself.
18. Watch the sunrise or sunset – witness something beautiful.
19. Forgive yourself for something you’ve been holding onto.
20. Make a nourishing meal – eat it slowly and mindfully.
21. Read something that inspires you – poetry, a blog, a favourite book.
22. Move your body in a way that feels joyful – walk, stretch, dance.
23. Light a candle and sit in silence for five minutes – let it be sacred.
24. Write a letter to your future self – with love and encouragement.
25. Do one thing you’ve been putting off – and celebrate doing it.
26. Speak an affirmation out loud – “I am enough, just as I am.”
27. Try something creative – not for perfection, just for play.
28. Make a ‘No List’ – things you’re allowed to stop doing.
29. Reflect on what self-care means to you now – how has it evolved?
30. Celebrate yourself – for showing up, for growing, for being.

An Ongoing Practice

Self-care is not a one-time event. It’s not something to tick off a list. It’s a continuous, evolving relationship with yourself. There will be days you forget. Days you can’t manage more than the bare minimum. That’s okay. The beauty of this practice is that you can begin again—any time.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott

This Self-Care Month, I’m committing to show up for myself in small, consistent ways. I want to create more room to breathe, to feel, to grow. I want to notice what I need—and then actually give myself permission to receive it.

What about you?

What’s one self-care practice you’d like to embrace this month?

Let this be your gentle reminder: You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to heal. You are allowed to care for yourself—not just in crisis, but every single day.