Taking time for yourself can feel impossible when life is full of expectations and obligations. Yet small choices to pause, reflect, and prioritize self-care can make a powerful difference. This story explores how reclaiming personal space and practicing emotional resilience can help us manage life’s pressures and find balance.

My name is Faith, and I had learned that finding time for myself was harder than I ever imagined. Weekends were never mine; family obligations, calls, visits, and expectations filled the hours before I could even think about myself. My mother’s voice still echoed in my mind.

“You’re leaving again? Doing what you know best!”

But this Saturday felt different. I woke to sunlight spilling across my room and made a decision I had not allowed myself in years. 

I ignored the usual knocks and calls, including the soft scream of my remaining sibling, the one who had no choice but to run errands for my mother. I dressed simply in comfortable shoes, my favorite sweater, and a scarf that felt like a soft shield against the world. I didn’t know where I was going, and I didn’t care. I just knew today was mine.

As I walked through the streets, memories stirred. I remembered the hospital bed where I had begged to die alongside my brothers. The guilt had never left me. It wasn’t my fault they died, but it wasn’t fair that I survived.

My three brothers had passed away on the same day, leaving me as the first daughter carrying not just my own grief, but the silent expectations of my mother. Each birthday, each small celebration, reminded me of their absence. The pressure to marry, to bear children, to repay the survival I had been given, weighed heavily on my shoulders.

For years, I carried grief quietly. Survivor guilt clung to me like a shadow. I became an expert at hiding it, smiling when the world demanded it, achieving success in my career while my heart stayed locked behind invisible bars.

Yet today, I refused to let the past dictate my steps. I wandered through quiet streets, noticing small details: a child chasing a balloon, an elderly man feeding pigeons, the rhythm of my own breath. For the first time in a long while, the grief and guilt that had shadowed me felt distant, like clouds drifting across the sun.

I found a small park and sat on a bench. I pulled out my notebook and began to write. I didn’t list tasks, chores, or apologies. I wrote thoughts about my brothers, my mother, my life, and my desires. Words poured freely, and with each sentence, I felt a little lighter, a little more in control.

 became my coping mechanism, a way to process grief, trauma, pressure and whatever I am feeling. Each word allowed me to reclaim part of myself that had been lost to years of family pressure and silent expectation. In that quiet, I felt a small measure of emotional resilience returning to me.

Two women sitting together on a park bench, sharing a quiet moment of support and understanding

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A soft voice interrupted my reverie. “Mind if I sit?”

I looked up and saw another woman smiling gently. I shook my head. The two of us shared silence at first, watching the world go by. Then conversation came naturally in a small, easy, and comforting manner.

She didn’t ask questions or offer advice. She simply listened, and in that moment, I realized that sometimes the best support is simply being seen, even by a stranger. Her presence reminded me that connection can be a step toward healing. I didn’t feel judged, only acknowledged.

By the end of the afternoon, I understood I had reclaimed something I thought I had lost forever: permission to live for myself. The weekend hadn’t erased the past, nor had it removed the grief or survivor guilt, but it reminded me that healing is often found in quiet moments of self-care and reflection. 

I looked at the card she slipped into my hands. It was one she had been given that led her to 

. I just knew, so well, that I would do the same.

As I walked home, I knew I would face my mother, family expectations, and grief again. But I carried a simple truth that self-care is not selfish but survival. Choosing small moments for myself allowed me to begin rebuilding emotional strength, one day at a time.

Mental health awareness is essential, especially for those coping with conditions like 

anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, grief and trauma

. Survivor guilt and family pressure can feel overwhelming, but strategies such as journaling, seeking supportive connections, and setting boundaries can provide relief. Healing doesn’t happen all at once. It is in the small acts, the quiet decisions to put yourself first, and the moments when you acknowledge that surviving is not a failure.

If you are dealing with grief, trauma, or family pressure, professional help can make a difference. Therapy, counseling, and support groups offer safe spaces to explore emotions, practice self-care strategies, and build resilience. Remember, seeking help is a step toward regaining control of your life and finding peace amidst the challenges.

The weekend may end, but the fire of self-care and healing can continue to burn within. It is yours to nurture.

A moving story about prioritizing self-care, building emotional resilience, and finding balance while managing life’s pressures.

Reclaiming My Time: How Self-Care Helped Me Find Balance

Every July 24, people and organizations around the world come together to celebrate International Self Care Day. . The date, 7/24, symbolizes the idea that self-care should be practiced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

The goal is to raise awareness about the habits and practices that help us stay healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and more.

Brief History of International Self-Care Day

International Self-Care Day started in 2011. It was created by a group in the UK called the International Self-Care Foundation. Their goal was to help people understand that they have a big role to play in taking care of their own health. This includes making smart choices and building good habits. Since then, the day has become more important as the world realizes that staying healthy isn’t just about going to the hospital. It also depends on how we care for ourselves every day.

Self-care means taking deliberate actions to maintain or improve your well being. According to WHO and reliable health sources, self care involves habits like:

These everyday habits build resilience, reduce anxiety and depression, and support long term health 

Self-care isn’t just one thing or activity. It involves many parts of life. Taking care of yourself means paying attention to these different areas in ways that feel right for you.

When people hear the word "self-care," this is often what they think of first. Physical self-care involves taking care of your body through movement, good nutrition, rest, and regular medical attention. Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, exercising, and maintaining personal hygiene all help improve your energy levels and reduce your risk of illness. A healthy body also plays a key role in supporting your mental well-being.

Your mental health deserves just as much attention as your physical health. Mental self-care includes activities that keep your mind sharp and help you handle stress. Reading, learning something new, practicing mindfulness, or even taking quiet breaks can make a big difference. These habits can help reduce anxiety, lift your mood, and improve your ability to focus.

Emotional self-care means learning to recognize, understand, and express your feelings in safe and healthy ways. This could be through journaling, talking to a friend or 

, or doing activities that bring you joy. When you make space for your emotions, you build emotional resilience and reduce the risk of burnout or emotional overload.

Humans are social beings, and the quality of our relationships matters. Social self-care involves nurturing meaningful connections and setting healthy boundaries. Spending time with people who uplift you, having honest conversations, or simply checking in with a loved one can boost your mood and support your mental health. Strong relationships can also increase your sense of belonging and well-being.

You don't need to be religious to care for your spiritual well-being. Spiritual self-care is about connecting to something greater than yourself, whether through prayer, meditation, reflection, nature walks, or simply finding quiet moments to think. It brings inner peace and helps you stay grounded during challenging times.

Your surroundings can affect your mood and focus more than you might think. Environmental self-care involves keeping your living or working space clean, organized, and calming. Whether it's decluttering your desk or adding a plant to your room, small changes to your environment can help reduce stress and create a more peaceful atmosphere.

Whether you're working or studying, professional self-care is all about maintaining balance. This includes setting boundaries at work or school, taking regular breaks, managing your workload, and asking for support when needed. Protecting your mental health in professional spaces helps prevent burnout and keeps you motivated. You can read further on how to 

Money matters can be a major source of stress. Financial self-care involves managing your finances in ways that support your long-term peace of mind. Budgeting, saving, tracking expenses, or learning about personal finance helps create a sense of control and reduces financial anxiety.

More than just a buzzword, self care brings measurable benefits:

it supports physical health and energy levels

Research shows these practices can help manage chronic illness, prevent burnout and improve quality of life 

How to Support and Celebrate International Self-Care Day

Use this day and the month leading up to it to build better habits:

Take a moment to look at how you’re living your life. Are your daily habits helping you feel better or making you more tired? Think about the things you do often and ask yourself if there’s anything you need to change to feel more balanced and healthy.

You don’t need to make big changes all at once. Start with small steps. Maybe take a short walk, drink an extra cup of water, or give yourself a few minutes of quiet time. These little actions can make a big difference over time.

Talk about your self-care journey. You can share what you’re doing on social media or with friends. You never know who, your story might encourage someone else to start caring for themselves too. It’s not about being perfect, just honest and helpful.

Look out for online or physical events that promote self-care. It could be a free fitness class, a wellness talk, or even a small group activity. These events give you a chance to learn more and connect with others who care about their health too.

Self-care should be possible for everyone. If you can, speak up about the need for mental health support, flexible work hours, and better access to health resources. Supporting these kinds of changes can help create a world where more people are able to take care of themselves.

International Self-Care Day on July 24 reminds us that caring for ourselves is essential, not optional. By spreading awareness and taking small, mindful actions, we support not just our own health but also our communities and lighten the load on healthcare systems.


International Self-Care Day encourages everyone to take charge of their well-being through simple daily actions that support body, mind, and soul.

 International Self-Care Day: Self-Care Strategies Everyone Should Practice

One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a provider to address personal concerns, emotions, and behaviors. 

Individual Therapy

Counseling sessions that involve multiple family members to address relationship dynamics, conflicts, and family-related issues.

Family Therapy

Therapeutic sessions conducted with a small group of individuals who share similar issues or goals, 
providing support and shared experiences.

Group Therapy

Therapy sessions involving couples to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance the 
quality of their relationship.

Couples Therapy

Initial consultation therapy for client who are unsure of their needs

Initial Consultation

Specialized therapy for children and teenagers to address age-specific emotional and behavioral 
challenges. 

Child & Adolescent Therapy

Trauma and PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing shocking, dangerous, or frightening events. Our specialized therapists help clients process traumatic memories, reduce triggering responses, and develop coping strategies to reclaim a sense of safety and control in their lives.

Work with trauma-informed therapists to heal at your own pace in a supportive environment.

Recover From Trauma Safely

Trauma and PTSD

Anger management therapy helps individuals who struggle with excessive or inappropriate anger responses. Our therapists work with clients to identify anger triggers, learn healthier expression of emotions, develop effective communication skills, and implement strategies to respond to frustration more constructively.

Learn healthy ways to understand, express, and control anger before it affects your relationships.

Manage Anger Constructively

Anger management

Social anxiety and shyness can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming and limit participation in important life activities. Our therapists help clients gradually build confidence in social situations, challenge negative thoughts about judgment, and develop authentic connection skills.

Work with therapists to reduce fear in social situations and improve your interpersonal comfort.

Build Social Confidence

Social anxiety and shyness

Attachment issues stem from early relationship experiences and can affect adult connections, creating patterns of anxiety, avoidance, or disorganization in close relationships. Our therapists help clients understand their attachment style and develop more secure, satisfying relationships.

Heal past wounds and build healthy emotional bonds in your relationships.

Support for Attachment issues

Attachment issues

Loneliness and isolation can significantly impact mental and physical health. Our therapists help clients address barriers to connection, develop social skills, process past relationship wounds, and build meaningful community involvement tailored to their personality and needs.

Reconnect with others and overcome feelings of disconnection and solitude.

Support for Loneliness and isolation

Loneliness and isolation

Communication problems can create misunderstandings, conflict, and emotional distance in relationships. Our therapists help individuals and couples develop active listening skills, express needs clearly, navigate difficult conversations, and build deeper understanding and connection.

Get professional help with issues related to communication problems in a safe and supportive space.

Support for Communication problems

Communication problems

Depression involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest that interfere with daily life. Our therapists provide evidence-based treatments to help clients understand depression's roots, challenge negative thought patterns, rebuild motivation, and reconnect with joy and meaning.

Get compassionate help for depression, emptiness, and when life feels too heavy to manage alone.

Support for Depression & Low Mood

Depression

Anxiety manifests as excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms that can interfere with daily functioning. Our therapists provide evidence-based approaches to help clients understand anxiety triggers, develop effective coping strategies, challenge anxious thoughts, and reclaim freedom from fear.

Explore evidence-based strategies with a licensed professional to feel more calm and in control.

Find Relief From Anxiety

Anxiety

Relationship therapy addresses challenges in romantic partnerships, friendships, and family connections. Our therapists help couples and individuals improve communication, resolve conflicts, rebuild trust, deepen intimacy, and create healthier, more satisfying relationships.

Work with a therapist to improve communication, resolve conflict, and deepen your relationships.

Build Stronger Connections

Relationships

Self-Esteem issues involve persistent negative beliefs about one's worth, abilities, or lovability. Our therapists help clients identify the roots of low self-esteem, challenge self-critical thoughts, develop self-compassion, recognize personal strengths, and build a stronger, more positive sense of self.

Get professional help with issues related to self-esteem in a safe and supportive space.

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