National Self-Care Day: Prioritizing You All Month Long
- Letecia Griffin
- Apr 6
- 8 min read
#StressManagement #SelfCare #SelfNurturing #Wellness #Mindfulness #MindBodySoul #WellbeingJourney #NationalSelfCareDay #SelfCareEveryday
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It’s all too easy to get swept up in the hustle—work, school, family responsibilities—leaving little time or energy to care for ourselves. In our fast-paced world, productivity is often praised more than rest, and over time, this imbalance can silently chip away at our health. Stress builds, burnout creeps in, and before we know it, we’re running on empty.
Did you know that National Self-Care Day, observed each year on April 5th? I believe I first learned of this holiday last year. National Self-Care Day serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and prioritize our well-being. Did you miss it this year? No worries. While it's marked on one day, I believe the spirit of self-care should last all month—and beyond. This article is aimed to share with you three ways you can keep the spirit going all month long.
A Moment to Pause: The Origins of National Self-Care Day
Although the practice of self-care has existed for centuries across cultures and traditions, National Self-Care Day is a relatively new observance. It was created in 2017 by Eve Medical, a Canadian health company committed to empowering individuals through access to personal health solutions. In 2019, the day gained international recognition when the founder of the International Self-Care Foundation officially acknowledged it as a time to promote personal wellness. National Self-Care Day falls on April 5th, encouraging people to slow down and turn their attention inward—even if just for a few moments.
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care isn’t indulgent or optional—it’s essential. It’s the secret weapon against burnout, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. As we explored together in our article: Self-Care: Just What Exactly Do You Mean? "Self-care is not a luxury or a destination but a fundamental aspect of leading a fulfilling and balanced life...Embracing self-care in its entirety allows individuals to nurture every aspect of their being, fostering a sustained sense of happiness and fulfillment." By nurturing ourselves, we’re better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and support the people around us. Here’s how regular self-care can transform your life:
Redefining What Self-Care Means
Let’s be honest: self-care isn’t always glamorous. It’s not just scented candles and luxurious bath bombs—though those can be part of it. Sometimes, self-care is setting a boundary. It’s saying no when you’re stretched too thin. It’s going to bed early instead of pushing through one more task. It’s checking in with yourself and asking: Am I okay? Am I rested? Am I nourishing myself? This April, let’s make a commitment—not just for one day, but for the whole month—to honor ourselves. Small daily acts of self-care can make a big difference in how you feel and show up in the world. When you nurture yourself, you’re not only improving your own well-being, but you’re creating space to be more present and supportive for others. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. So, take that deep breath, drink that glass of water, step outside, or just give yourself permission to pause. You deserve it.
Today be the friend to yourself that your heart most desires in another.
Before we can expect to be fully witnessed and validated by others, we must show up and do that for ourselves. What type of friend do you want and need by your side during those times of loneliness? What are their glowing characteristics? What would they say? How would they comfort you? Now close your eyes and invite that person to step inside of you and care for the parts of you that need care. Allow them to speak to and comfort the lonely parts of yourself and remind you: You are loved. You are worthy. You are enough just the way you are.
What is your favorite way to practice self-care on a regular basis? Why is it your favorite?
Get your journal, your good writing pen, your favorite scented candle, and your investigative hat. Take some time to explore the self-care rituals that you have already created for yourself. It could be taking a walk or sitting under a tree outside. It could be practicing mindfulness through a few minutes of deep breathing or some gentle yoga. Perhaps it's your favorite desert, a bubble bath, or curling up with your favorite show. Maybe it is spending quality time with the ones you love. Or solitude in creating through music or art. Take a few moments to journal your thought patterns just before your self-care ritual, during, and right after? What themes emerge? Take note and most importantly, end this exercise by showing gratitude for all the work you have already put in to nurturing yourself.
Affirm this: "The boundaries I create allow me to shine for myself and for others."
We have spent quite a bit of time the first quarter of this year talking about boundaries. We kicked off the boundary discussion exploring four questions to help us assess the strength of our boundaries. Many of us think we have strong boundaries. However, this article helped us to gain clarity on the difference between rules and boundaries; many of us have rules for others but not true boundaries for ourselves. Healthy boundaries are rooted in self-respect and prevent us from feeling drained and angry. We identified four essential boundaries to protect our energy, relationships, and overall well-being. Of course, theory is easier than practice. We acknowledged together four common mistakes that increase our struggle in setting boundaries. Lastly we rounded out our exploration of boundaries with the thought that setting limits doesn't negate our generosity but ensures we are valued and not taken for granted. Balanced kindness honors our commitment to help others and maintain our dignity and self-respect.
As April unfolds, let National Self-Care Day be more than a date on the calendar—let it be the spark that ignites a lifelong practice of nurturing your body, mind, and soul. The truth is, you don’t need permission to care for yourself, but if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Whether you're offering yourself the kindness of a good friend, appreciating your existing self-care rituals, or affirming the protective power of your boundaries – you not only replenish your own well-being but also cultivate a greater capacity for presence and connection with the world around you. So, carry the spirit of self-care with you not just through the rest of this month, but into every season that follows. Because when you take care of you, everyone around you benefits—and the world becomes a gentler, more compassionate place. Please remember wherever you are on this journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Until next time. Happy reading!
Just as we prioritize our mental and physical health through self-care practices, taking control of our financial well-being is another crucial element of a balanced life.
"Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you." ~Katie Reed
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