International Self-Care Day: 10 Small Ways to Look After Your Health Every Day
Published:
24th Jul 2026
General Health
While we are usually very good at looking after other people’s needs, our own self-care tends to slip to the bottom of our to-do list. Many people picture self-care as a luxury and rest to be earned (social media doesn’t necessarily help with this image). True self-care is less about spas, face masks and candles and more about the daily, practical choices we make to protect and improve our physical and mental wellbeing.
With International Self-Care Day arriving on the 24th of July, there is no better time to reflect on your daily routine and build healthy habits that last.
What is International Self-Care Day?
Established by the International Self-Care Foundation, International Self-Care Day is celebrated on the 24th of July each year. The choice of date is highly symbolic: the 24th day of the 7th month represents the benefits of self-care that can be experienced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The day aims to raise awareness of the vital role that self-care plays in a healthy lifestyle and to encourage individuals to take proactive steps toward managing their own wellbeing.
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care is the foundation of a healthy life and a sustainable healthcare system. By taking proactive steps to look after our bodies and minds, we can prevent many chronic illnesses, manage minor conditions effectively, and recover more quickly from temporary setbacks. Far from being selfish, practising everyday self-care ensures we have the energy and resilience to show up for the people and responsibilities that matter most to us.
10 Practical Self-Care Habits You Can Start Today
Building a sustainable self-care routine doesn't require a total lifestyle overhaul. Instead, focus on these ten practical, evidence-based self-care ideas to start looking after your health more effectively.
1. Sleep
Quality sleep is non-negotiable for cognitive function, immune health, and emotional regulation. Most adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. To improve your sleep hygiene, try to keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. If you occasionally struggle to wind down, creating a calming evening ritual or exploring gentle remedies from our Sleep Support range can help ease you into a restful night.
2. Hydration
On average, our bodies are made up of about 60% water, meaning maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for energy levels, digestion, and skin health. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluid a day, ideally water or sugar-free drinks. For more detailed advice on keeping your fluid levels up, our Stay Hydrated blog post may help.
3. Healthy Skin
Your skin is your body’s first line of defence against the environment. Daily self-care should include a simple routine to cleanse, moisturise, and protect your skin barrier. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily is essential to prevent UV damage, even when it is overcast. If you are dealing with specific concerns like acne or eczema, exploring targeted options in our Skincare section can help you maintain a healthy complexion.
4. Look After Your Mental Wellbeing
Physical and mental health are equally important and impact each other significantly. Taking just ten minutes a day to practise mindfulness, write in a journal, or catch up with a friend can significantly lower stress levels. For free, evidence-based resources and practical exercises tailored to your mood, you can visit the NHS Every Mind Matters website.
5. Staying Active
Regular physical activity boosts your mood, improves cardiovascular health, and aids weight management. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week. This doesn't have to mean intense gym sessions; a brisk daily walk, a swim, or a cycle ride all count.
6. Managing Minor Illnesses
When you feel a cold, a bout of hay fever, or a tension headache coming on, addressing it early is key to a fast recovery. Instead of pushing through the discomfort, allow yourself to rest and take advantage of over-the-counter support. Keeping seasonal essentials on hand, such as treatments from our Hay Fever Relief category, ensures you can tackle symptoms before they disrupt your day.
7. Taking Medicines Correctly
An essential part of looking after your health is ensuring you take any prescribed or over-the-counter medicines exactly as directed. This means checking the dosage instructions, being aware of potential interactions, and finishing courses of treatment where required. If you ever have questions about your medication routine, our pharmacist is available to provide guidance.
8. Knowing When to Seek Help
Self-care means knowing your limits. While many minor ailments can be managed safely at home, it is vital to recognise when a symptom requires professional medical attention. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or cause you concern, always consult a pharmacist, your GP, or call NHS 111.
9. Preparing a Home Medicine Cabinet
You cannot practise effective self-care if your cupboards are bare when you feel unwell. Building a well-stocked home medicine cabinet allows you to respond immediately to minor health issues. It is important that all medicines and healthcare items are stored at the right temperature and kept away from direct heat as well as children and pets. Many people consider a lockable home medicine cabinet.
10. Filling Your Cabinet with Essentials
Ensure your home self-care toolkit is stocked with high-quality basics. This includes items from our First Aid collection like plasters and antiseptic wipes, alongside reliable treatments from our Pain Relief section.
Depending on your household needs, you might also want to check out our Women's Health and Men's Health sections, or stock up on daily Vitamins & Supplements to bridge any nutritional gaps.
Here at Simply Meds Online, we work hard to make accessing self-care products and information easy, so you don’t have to. All of our products, including NHS and private prescriptions, are shipped from our registered pharmacy quickly and discreetly to your nominated address.
Making small changes can make a big difference in the short and long-term. Take the time to prioritise your self-care so that you can enjoy the physical and mental benefits.
Self-Care FAQs
What are the 4 pillars of self-care?
While different frameworks exist, self-care is broadly built on four core pillars: physical health (diet and exercise), mental and emotional wellbeing, environmental self-care (a safe, clean living space), and medical self-care (managing illnesses and taking medications correctly). Visit the International Self-Care Foundation website to see how this can be further broken down into 7 pillars.
How can I practise self-care when I have a busy schedule?
Self-care does not have to take hours. Small, daily choices, such as drinking a glass of water before your morning coffee, taking a five-minute screen break, or going to bed fifteen minutes earlier, can make a significant difference over time.
Where can I find reliable information on living a healthier life?
For evidence-based guidance on diet, exercise, and preventative health, the NHS Live Well guide is an excellent, trusted resource to help you make informed decisions.
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