Let’s Talk About Self-Care: Why 24 July Matters

Picture this: it’s another hectic Thursday you’re juggling deadlines, and someone mentions “self-care.” Your first thought? Who has time for that?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In a culture where being busy is worn like a badge of honour, self-care can feel selfish or indulgent. But every year on 24 July, International Self-Care Day gently reminds us to pause and think differently.

The date, 24/7 isn’t random, it’s a symbolic reminder that self-care isn’t just for weekends or holidays. It should be part of everyday life(1). This clever wordplay serves as a constant nudge that caring for ourselves deserves the same round-the-clock attention we give to our work, relationships, and responsibilities.

What Self-Care Really Looks Like

Self-care isn’t about spa retreats or green juices (unless those work for you). It can be simple things like:

  • Stepping away from your desk to eat lunch properly
  • Saying no without guilt
  • Going to bed 30 minutes earlier
  • Asking yourself: “How am I really doing today?”

These are small but powerful steps toward protecting your mental and physical wellbeing. The beauty of these micro-practices is that they don’t require special equipment, significant time investment, or lifestyle overhauls. They are accessible, immediate, and surprisingly effective.

The Self-Care Reality Check

A 2024 YouGov survey of over 4,000 UK adults revealed some telling insights(2):

  • Only 24% practise self-care every day
  • 44% do so weekly
  • 52% regularly eat healthily
  • 45% exercise consistently
  • 36% maintain a steady sleep routine
  • Just 8% meditate
  • Only 13% practise yoga

These numbers show that while many of us want to take care of ourselves, consistent self-care remains a challenge. 

There are many misconceptions about what self-care should look like. We imagine it requires significant time blocks, specific environments, or activities. The most sustainable self-care practices are often the ones that integrate seamlessly into our existing routines.

The Hidden Foundation of Self-Care: Your Gut

Here’s something that might surprise you: one of the most important yet often overlooked forms of self-care begins in your digestive system.

That afternoon bloating, heartburn after meals, or feeling sluggish after eating might seem minor, but these symptoms can also be signs of underlying issues such as IBS. When digestion suffers, so does your energy, focus, and general wellbeing.

The connection between gut health and overall wellness runs deeper than many realise. When your digestive system is functioning optimally, you have more energy for the activities that matter to you. When it is struggling, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.

Why Your Gut Matters More Than You Think

The science is compelling:

  • Your gut produces up to 95% of the body’s serotonin – a key hormone that helps regulate mood(3)(4)
  • About 70% of your immune system is in your gut(5)
  • The gut-brain connection means your digestion directly impacts your mental health(6)

When your gut feels good, everything else often follows. This is why digestive care should be central to any holistic self-care routine.

The gut-brain axis is a two-way street. Stress and anxiety can trigger digestive issues, including IBS, while digestive problems can contribute to feelings of irritability, brain fog, and low mood. Understanding this connection helps explain why that knot in your stomach during stressful times is not just metaphorical, it is a real physiological response.

Why We Struggle with Self-Care

One reason self-care feels elusive is that it often gets mislabelled as self-indulgence. The societal message that productivity equals worth means many of us push through fatigue and discomfort without pausing to assess how we’re really feeling. Work pressures, family responsibilities, financial stress, and social media all contribute to this relentless pace.

There is also the perfectionism trap. We believe that if we can’t do self-care “properly” – with the right yoga mat, the perfect morning routine, or the ideal meditation app; then it’s not worth doing at all. This all-or-nothing thinking keeps us stuck in patterns that deplete rather than restore us.

Another barrier is the guilt factor. Many people, particularly parents and caregivers, feel selfish for taking time for themselves. They worry that focusing on their own needs’ means neglecting others. However, research consistently shows that people who practise regular self-care are more patient, present, and effective in their relationships and responsibilities.

Start Small, Think Daily

International Self-Care Day isn’t about making drastic changes; it’s about starting somewhere. Today, that could look like:

  • Taking three deep breaths before opening your phone
  • Choosing a meal that genuinely nourishes you
  • Asking yourself what you need right now
  • Paying attention to digestive discomfort instead of pushing through it

Research consistently shows that regular self-care routines improve energy levels and reduces stress(2). The cumulative effect of these small actions creates a buffer against life’s inevitable challenges and helps build resilience over time.

Supporting Your Self-Care from Within

If your gut has been sending you signals, whether it’s heartburn, acid reflux, or IBS discomfort, addressing these issues can be a valuable part of your daily self-care routine. Because sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is listen to what your body is telling you. Ignoring digestive discomfort might seem like pushing through, but it often leads to bigger problems down the line. True self-care means addressing issues before they become crises.

Your Self-Care, Your Way

International Self-Care Day is about you: your health, your pace, your version of feeling good.

Self-care doesn’t need to be perfect, expensive, or time-consuming. It just needs to be intentional and meaningful to you. What matters is that you begin to see yourself as worthy of the same care and attention you readily give to others.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish, it is strategic. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. You are more present in your relationships, more effective in your work, and more resilient in the face of challenges.

This 24th July, and every day after, consider self-care not as another item on your to-do list, but as the foundation that makes everything else possible.

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References

  1. International Self Care Foundation – Meaning behind 24/7 for International Self Care Day – isfglobal.org
  2. YouGov (Feb 2024) – What routines are Britons following in pursuit of self-care? – YouGov
  3. Guts UK (2024) – What is the gut-brain connection? – gutscharity.org.uk
  4. PMC / National Library of Medicine (2019) – Gut-brain axis and serotonin production in the gut – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. American Psychological Association (2012) – Gut bacteria and serotonin – apa.org
  6. MDPI / Cells Journal (2021) – Review: microbiome–gut–brain axis in mental health – mdpi.com