Today is International Self-Care Day—a beautiful global reminder that taking care of ourselves is not selfish, it’s survival. It’s the foundation for everything you want to build: your career, your relationships, your joy, your health. And let’s be honest, in our culture of hustle and “busy as a badge of honor,” self-care is often the first thing to fall off the to-do list.
But today, we take it back.
I want to share 10 meaningful ways you can celebrate International Self-Care Day today, using a mix of science, stories from my own life, and what I teach inside my coaching practice and keynotes around the world.
1. Take Radical Inventory of Your Energy
I had a moment back in 2001 when burnout nearly broke me. I was running a successful business, but inside? I was done. My body was screaming, my relationships were strained, and I was pouring from an empty cup.
Start your self-care today with an honest question:
“Where is my energy leaking?”
Is it a toxic relationship, overworking, or saying yes when you mean no? Awareness is the first act of radical self-care. Write it down. See it clearly. Choose to course-correct.
2. Schedule a 20-Minute “Nothing” Block
Not a walk. Not a podcast. Not catching up on emails “just quickly.”
I mean nothing.
Why?
Because neuroscience shows that our brain needs stillness to process, restore, and innovate. The Default Mode Network (DMN) activates when we’re resting, and it’s where your creativity and emotional regulation thrive.
Give yourself permission to do nothing—and notice how nourishing that becomes.
3. Move Your Body to Shift Your Mood
This morning I walked briskly for 15 minutes before writing this article. That quick blast of morning vitamin D on my face and greenery around me, that joy and heat, changed my entire mindset for the morning.
You don’t have to hit the gym—just move. Dance in your kitchen, stretch in silence, take a walk. Harvard research shows that movement is as effective as antidepressants in some mild-to-moderate cases of depression.
4. Say NO Without Guilt
One of the highest forms of self-care? Boundaries.
Let today be the day you say “no” to what drains you and “yes” to what fuels you.
One of my clients recently practiced saying, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m at capacity right now.” It changed her life. Her plate didn’t get bigger—her standards got clearer.
5. Create a “Nurture List”
Make a list of 5 things that bring you back to yourself. Mine?
- Music
- Nature
- Journaling
- Hot baths
- A great meal with a soul friend
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Make this list visible and reach for it when you’re running on empty.
6. Log Off to Tune In
We spend an average of 6.5 hours per day on screens. That’s more than some people sleep. And I get it—I live online too. But on this Self-Care Day, take a 1-hour digital detox. Or better yet, half a day.
In my talks, I always say:
“Don’t let your phone come before your peace.”
Unplug. Breathe. Be with your life, not just your screen.
7. Do One Scary Thing That’s Just for You
Whether it’s starting therapy, signing up for a class, having a tough conversation, or just asking for help—celebrate today by choosing yourself in a way that feels brave.
I’ve coached hundreds of women through these micro-moments of courage. Each one compounds. Each one builds self-trust. Self-care isn’t always soft. Sometimes it’s bold.
8. Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa (Yes, Really)
Run a bath. Use the expensive soap. Light the candle. Use the essential oils. Lock the door.
Create a sanctuary in the space you already have.
This isn’t about vanity—it’s about nervous system regulation. When we engage our senses—smell, touch, sound—we shift from stress mode (sympathetic nervous system) to calm (parasympathetic).
Your bathroom is a portal to peace. Use it.
9. Feed Yourself Like You Matter
No fad diet, no guilt. Just nourishment.
Your brain runs on glucose, your hormones are regulated by fat, and your energy is deeply tied to gut health. Today, eat a meal that feels loving—not punishing.
Bonus idea: cook something beautiful with someone you love (or for yourself). And if you’re like me and call yourself a “bad cook,” order your favorite nourishing meal guilt-free.
10. Gift Self-Care Forward
Today, I’m gifting my Burnout Rescue Blueprint to every woman who needs it—free until Sunday. Use code: SELFCAREDAY, or use this link directly.
Why? Because when we all take care of ourselves, we all rise.
Forward this article to a friend. Text someone: “Hey, how’s your heart?”
Give a compliment. Share your toolkit. This is how self-care ripples out into collective care.
Remember, self-care isn’t bubble baths and green smoothies (though I love both).
It’s alignment. It’s agency. It’s showing up for yourself on purpose, even when no one else is watching.
So today, don’t just celebrate International Self-Care Day by reading an article.
Live it.
Your future self is already whispering, thank you.
