International Self-Care Day recognized July 24; behavioral health tips, resources

In 2011, the International Self-Care Foundation (ISF) established International Self-Care Day to raise awareness about the importance of self-care in overall health and wellness. International Self-Care Day is recognized each year on July 24 as a symbol that the benefits of self-care are experienced 24 hours a day,  seven days a week.

Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during periods of stress. Health and wellness is the cornerstone of Purdue’s Healthy Boiler Program, and behavioral health is one of the five pillars of focus. There are online and in-person University and community resources available to support this pillar and others.

Celebrate self-care

Some may wonder what types of activities would be good for self-care day, or any day. “My Imperfect Life” blog offers a list of Self-Care Day ideas to help:

• Practice meditation and breathing exercises.
• Watch a feel-good movie.
• Listen to music.
• Go for a walk.
• Go birdwatching.
• Clean and declutter.
• Take a nap.

Woman’s Day magazine also shares some self-care activity ideas, including spending time with friends, journaling and spending time outdoors. For more ideas, visit Psychology Today, Marie Claire, Healthy Happy Impactful, Valley Oakes and Forbes.

Self-care champions

There are many organizations specifically dedicated to self-care that have a variety of resources available to help individuals learn more.

The Global Social and Economic Value of Self-Care 2022 report created by the The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) is the first global research project analyzing the worldwide value and impact of self-care. The data, obtained from 155 countries, provides a unique global perspective. GSCF’s Self-Care Readiness Index is another helpful learning tool. GSCF also encourages individuals from across the globe to engage in the self-care action campaign #SelfCarePromise. Hundreds of self-care promises have already been made internationally.

ISF’s free app,  Self-Care Health Storylines, can help individuals navigate their personal self-care journeys. ISF has also developed a framework and starting point for self-care use.

SupportLinc, provider of behavioral health services for Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, has many articles and resources available on its web portal:

• An Intro to Self-Care: Tips for Sleep, Nutrition and Well-Being
• Reducing the Intensity of Stress
• Self-Care to Avoid Burnout
• Fall in Love with Self-Care
• In the Moment Stress Relief Tools

The “University” tab on the Healthy Boiler Portal also offers several courses on meditation:

• 10-Minute Mantra Meditation
• 5-Minute Counting Meditation
• 5-Minute Simple Breathing Meditation
• 7-Minute Gratitude Meditation

Learn more at ‘Seeking Self-Care’ Healthy Boiler workshop

A Healthy Boiler workshop titled “Seeking Self-Care” will take place from noon to 1 p.m. ET on September 21. The workshop will cover the five Healthy Boiler pillars – behavioral health, financial wellness, physical health, social wellness and work-life integration – and provide tips related to stress, nutrition and physical activity.

Those interested should register by Sept. 20 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. The registration link can be found under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s home page. Hover over “Seeking Self-Care” and hit “Submit” to register. Healthy Boiler workshops are free to all benefits-eligible employees and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan. 

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including resources for all Purdue campuses, information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse and behavioral health referral locations for the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100% on the Purdue student health plan.  

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI on Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app for students.