Self-Care September is an awareness campaign or movement that encourages individuals to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout the month of September. It’s all about dedicating time to self-care activities that help refresh, recharge, and restore balance in life. The idea behind it is simple: just as we often dedicate time to work or other obligations, we should also set aside time for our own well-being. This month serves as a reminder to practice habits that support our overall health.

It’s really about making self-care a priority and integrating it into your life consistently. How do you go about including self-care in your daily routine? 

Key Self Care Themes:

1. Physical Health: Engaging in regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep. This could also include mindfulness practices like yoga or stretching.
2. Mental Health: Taking steps to reduce stress, manage anxiety, and practice mindfulness or meditation. Journaling, talking to a therapist, or reading are also common ways people work on their mental wellness.
3. Emotional Well-being: Nurturing emotional health through positive self-talk, setting boundaries, and connecting with loved ones. This might also involve engaging in hobbies or creative outlets that bring joy.
4. Digital Detox: Reducing screen time, especially on social media, to minimize stress and allow time for reflection and relaxation.
5. Social Self-Care: Building strong, positive relationships with friends and family, setting aside time for meaningful social interactions, and practicing gratitude.

Make it part of your to-do list – literally.  When you make a task list for the day at work or home, include one or more self-care tasks – right alongside things like “schedule supervision” or “make phone call”.  They are just as non-negotiable as going to work or getting dishes done. Add a reminder on your phone and your calendar.

Self-care means something different for everyone, and you should make your own personalized self-care list.  For example, some people might put “go for a run” on their self-care list but if that is not emotionally fulfilling for you, then leave it off.  Do you like to ride a bike, or would you rather spend some time reading a good book?  Think about what activities and people make you happy and go from there.  Below are some ideas that may help. 

• Meet a friend at the gym. 
• Get a pedicure. 
• Cook your favorite dinner while listening to a podcast. 
• Read a book. 
• Walk with your pet or a friend in nature. 
• Eat mindfully. 

Resources: https://actionforhappiness.org/ and https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit.html