July 24th is International Self-Care Day! Recognizing this day means checking in with yourself and taking steps to care for your mental, emotional, and physical health. At Western Youth Services (WYS), we know self-care helps young people feel stronger, calmer, and more in control of their lives. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated.
This blog will share easy, realistic self care tips for mental health, explain the difference between self-care and self-soothing, and show how small daily self care activities can make a big impact.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care means doing things that help you stay healthy in your mind, body, and relationships. It’s about listening to what you need and taking action to support yourself.
The World Health Organization says self-care helps people manage stress, stay healthy, and feel better over time. It can be as simple as getting enough sleep, talking to a friend, or doing something creative.
This is especially important for young individuals. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 5 teens in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition. Learning to care for your mental health now builds strong habits that last a lifetime.
Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard the terms self-care and self-soothing. While they both can be helpful, they’re not the same.
Self-soothing is doing something to feel better right now, like watching funny videos, eating a favorite snack, or wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket.
Self-care is doing something that supports your health long-term, like journaling, talking to a trusted adult, or getting enough rest.
Think of it this way: self-soothing helps calm you down in the moment, and self-care helps you stay well in the future. Both are important and using them together can help you feel more balanced.
Self Care Tips for Mental Health (That Are Actually Doable)
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or perfect. Here are some self care activities that are simple and youth-friendly:
1. Move Your Body
Dancing, walking, stretching, or playing a sport can lift your mood. Moving your body helps release endorphins. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular movement helps with sleep, energy, and focus too.
2. Take Breaks from Screens
Too much time online—especially on social media—can make you feel anxious or tired. Try setting time limits or taking breaks during the day to protect your mental space.
3. Create a Comfort Kit
Fill a small box or folder with things that help you feel better. This could be a playlist, calming scents, photos that make you smile, or a list of coping strategies like deep breathing or grounding exercises.
4. Talk to Someone You Trust
Sharing what you’re feeling with a friend, parent, teacher, or counselor can really help. At WYS, our school-based services make it easier for youth to get support without having to go far.
5. Keep a Simple Routine
Having a regular wake-up time, bedtime, and meals can help you feel more stable. Even a flexible routine gives your day structure and lowers stress significantly.
6. Practice Gratitude
Each day, write down one thing you’re thankful for. It can be small, like a good meal or a funny moment with a friend. Focusing on the good helps your brain notice more positive things.
Types of Self Care
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths or face masks. There are many different types of self care, and all of them are helpful like;
- Emotional Self-Care: journaling, crying, talking about your feelings
- Physical Self-Care: sleeping well, staying active, eating nourishing foods
- Mental Self-Care: reading, learning something new, solving puzzles
- Social Self-Care: spending time with people who care about you
- Spiritual Self-Care: meditating, spending time in nature, reflecting on your values
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with one or two things that feel manageable and go from there.
WYS is Here to Support You
At Western Youth Services, we help young people take care of their mental health with support that’s caring, personalized, and free from judgment. Some of the ways we can help include:
- Counseling for youth and families
- School-based mental health services
- Trauma-informed care that supports healing
We believe every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and strong. You are important. Your feelings are valid. And taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s smart, healthy, and necessary.
Helpful Resources
- Western Youth Services Programs
- NIMH – Mental Health for Teens
- WHO – Self-Care Interventions
- Mayo Clinic – Exercise and Stress
If you or someone you know needs extra support, reach out to WYS or talk to a mental health professional at your school. Help is here, and healing is always possible.
Sources:
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/self-care-health-interventions
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
- https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html
