International Self-Care Day 2025: How To Build A Daily Me Time Routine

International Self‑Care Day, observed annually on 24 July, reminds us that self-care isn’t just one day of satisfaction, it's a continuous practice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As the date approaches, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how small and intentional choices shape our wellbeing. Here's how you can start creating one that truly works for you.

How To Build A Daily Self-Care Routine

1. Start The Day By Aligning With Your Mood

Instead of following a fixed morning routine, begin by noticing how you feel. Do you crave calm, creativity, or connection? If your mind feels tense, five minutes of gentle stretching or listening to an uplifting song can offer more value than a rigid one-hour session.

This flexible, mood-based approach helps prevent self-care from feeling like a chore.

2. Harness Micro-Habits

Long-term routines are not built in a day. Research suggests lasting habits form over months. “Micro-habits are tiny, manageable actions that take just a few minutes to complete. Begin with a micro-habit that aligns with your broader goal”, states the College of Law (New Zealand).

One smart trick is micro-habits: a single extra glass of water, closing your eyes for 1-2 minutes to relax your mind, or making small, intentional choices. These tiny actions boost your energy and mental clarity with minimal effort.

3. 10‑10‑10 Pause Rule

The 10-10-10 Pause Rule for self-care involves pausing for 10 minutes before making a decision, considering its impact in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. This technique helps in making mindful and well-considered choices, promoting better self-care by encouraging consideration of long-term consequences.

4. Bring Nature Into Your Room

One study found that weaving local natural materials like shells, leaves, and small branches into your living space uplifts mood and enhances mental well-being. A little nature indoors can help you feel grounded and emotionally soothed throughout the day.

5. Check Your Mental And Emotional Health

We often recognise hunger or tiredness, but forget to notice how we truly feel. Carve out brief emotional check-ins: ‘How are you right now?’ or ‘How are things going today for you?’ Each afternoon, close your eyes for a moment and name that feeling.

Acknowledging even small stress or discomfort allows you to respond with kindness, whether it’s a calming song or a handwritten note to a friend.

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6. Mini-Rituals

Self-care doesn’t need elaborate rituals, just moments of happiness and delight. For this you can try a small ceremony around afternoon tea: select a special mug, add a squeeze of lemon or fresh mint, and sip for five minutes while doing some journaling. These little acts anchor joy into everyday life, reminding you that care doesn’t need to cost much, it just needs intention. Adjust your routine gently, tune out what isn’t working, and do more of what brings consistency and calm.

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Why Do These Choices Matter?

International Self-Care Day highlights that taking responsibility for our wellbeing isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. Small choices across physical, mental, and emotional well-being can lead to good health and peace of mind. That extra pause, that moment’s intention, these build stronger, healthier foundations over time.

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Image credit: Freepik