Every July 24, International Self-Care Day reminds us to care for our health every day of the year. The date, 7/24, represents the idea that self-care is important 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re living with a mental health condition or substance use disorder, taking care of yourself may feel harder than it used to.
At Blue Hills Recovery, our Massachusetts outpatient mental health and addiction treatment programs help you rebuild healthy habits while supporting lasting recovery.
What Is International Self-Care Day?
International Self-Care Day encourages people to make small choices that support their physical and mental well-being. It reminds us that caring for ourselves isn’t selfish, but an important part of living a healthier life.
For people recovering from mental health conditions or addiction, self-care often becomes part of the healing process. Small daily habits can help you feel more stable, manage stress, and build confidence over time.
International Self-Care Day is also a chance to check in with yourself. If you’ve been putting your own well-being last, July 24 is a reminder that you deserve care, too.
Why Self-Care Matters During Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
Mental health conditions and addiction can affect nearly every part of your daily routine. You may struggle to sleep, skip meals, withdraw from people you care about, or lose interest in activities you once enjoyed.
None of that means you’ve failed. Rather, it shows that you’re carrying more than your mind and body can manage alone.
Self-care helps you begin rebuilding those routines one step at a time. It won’t solve every challenge overnight, but small, consistent habits can support both your mental health and your recovery.
Over time, these healthy routines often become the foundation for lasting change (the type of change that’s needed for someone who is making progress in recovery).
What Does Self-Care Look Like?
Social media often makes self-care look like spa days and vacations. While those things can be enjoyable, they’re only one small piece of the picture.
Real self-care often looks much simpler.
It may mean:
- Getting enough sleep each night
- Eating regular, balanced meals
- Drinking enough water
- Going for a short walk outside
- Moving your body every day
- Attending therapy appointments
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Practicing healthy coping skills
- Setting boundaries when you need them
- Asking for help instead of struggling alone
- Taking time to rest without feeling guilty
During mental health and addiction recovery, even showing up for treatment is an act of self-care.
Every healthy choice helps you move one step closer to feeling like yourself again.
What To Do When Self-Care Isn’t Enough
Self-care is an important part of protecting your mental health. Sometimes, though, it isn’t enough on its own.
If you’re living with depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, or addiction, professional treatment may be an important part of your recovery. Mental health conditions are medical conditions, not personal failures.
You may benefit from additional support for your health if you:
- Feel overwhelmed most days
- Have symptoms that continue for several weeks
- Find it difficult to work, attend school, or manage daily responsibilities
- Feel disconnected from family and friends
- Turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or emotions
Reaching out for help is another form of self-care. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis mode before you seek support.
How Outpatient Treatment Supports Self-Care
International Self-Care Day reminds us that healthy habits matter. Outpatient treatment can help you build those habits while receiving professional support.
At Blue Hills Recovery, our Day Treatment (PHP) and Evening Treatment (IOP) programs help you hone the skills you need to achieve long-term recovery.
During addiction or mental health treatment, you may learn how to:
- Manage stress in healthier ways
- Build daily routines that support recovery
- Recognize emotional triggers
- Develop healthy coping skills
- Improve communication and relationships
- Create a realistic self-care plan you can continue using after treatment
Because outpatient treatment allows you to continue living at home or in supportive housing, you can practice these skills daily while receiving ongoing guidance from your treatment team.
Make Self-Care Part of Your Recovery
International Self-Care Day is about making small choices that support your health, one day at a time.
If self-care has become difficult because of your mental health or substance use, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Recovery often begins with one conversation and one decision to ask for help.
At Blue Hills Recovery, we provide compassionate outpatient mental health and addiction treatment in Worcester, Massachusetts through our Day Treatment and Evening Treatment programs.
Whether you’re taking your first step or continuing your recovery journey, we’re here to help you build healthier habits that support lasting wellness.
Connect with Blue Hills Recovery today to learn more about our outpatient programs and how we can support your path toward regular self-care and healing.
FAQs About Support on International Self-Care Day & Beyond
Self-care helps support both your mental and physical well-being during recovery. Healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, managing stress, and attending treatment can help you build a stronger foundation for long-term healing.
No. Self-care is an important part of recovery, but it isn’t a substitute for professional treatment.
If you’re struggling with a mental health condition or substance use disorder, therapy and structured treatment can provide the additional support you need while helping you develop healthy self-care habits.
Outpatient treatment helps you develop practical skills you can use every day. Through therapy, education, and ongoing support, you can learn healthy coping strategies, improve your daily routine, manage stress, and practice self-care while continuing to live at home.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2025). Caring for your mental health. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health. Accessed on July 22, 2026.
- World Health Organization. (2023). Self-Care Month. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/06/24/default-calendar/self-care-month. Accessed on July 22, 2026.