Celebrating International Self-Care Day

The 24^th of July marks International Self-Care Day, a day dedicated to encouraging us all to take responsibility for our own health and well-being. At Central Co-op, we believe that self-care is essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced life, which is why we’ve made it a central theme for colleagues this month.

Self-care encompasses all the actions we take to look after ourselves, from physical exercise to emotional well-being. Today and throughout July, we’re putting a spotlight on self-care and providing our colleagues with valuable tips and advice to help them prioritise their well-being.

Every Wednesday at Central Co-op, we dedicate time to focus on different aspects of our colleagues’ well-being, whether it be physical, mental or emotional. We do this through our weekly Wellbeing Wednesday communications. This month, we’re honing in on the theme of self-care, sharing practical strategies to help our team look after themselves. Here are some of the self-care practices we’ve been highlighting:

• Mental
  • Practice: Cultivate a healthy mindset by continuously growing your skills and learning new things
  • Tips: Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as reading, puzzles or taking up a new hobby - set aside time each week for personal development and learning
• Emotional
  • Practice: Take care of your feelings through healthy coping strategies, such as setting boundaries or asking for help when needed
  • Tips: Identify your emotions and express them in a healthy way - journaling, talking to a trusted friend or seeking professional support can be beneficial
• Physical
  • Practice: Look after your body by staying active, eating healthily and ensuring you get enough sleep
  • Tips: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, choose nutritious meals, and establish a bedtime routine to improve sleep quality
• Environmental
  • Practice: Take care of your surroundings by keeping your home tidy or spending time in nature
  • Tips: Declutter your living space to create a more peaceful environment - make time to go for walks in nature or spend time in green spaces
•  Spiritual
  • Practice: Engage in activities that give you a sense of purpose and align with your values
  • Tips: Reflect on what is meaningful to you, whether through meditation, prayer or other spiritual practices - seek out activities that resonate with your inner self
• Recreational
  • Practice: Make time for hobbies, fun activities, and new experiences
  • Tips: Dedicate time each week to pursue hobbies you enjoy, whether it’s painting, playing an instrument or trying a new sport - embrace opportunities for adventure and play
• Social
  • Practice: Build and maintain relationships with people who give you a sense of belonging and support
  • Tips: Spend quality time with friends and family, join social groups or clubs and engage in community activities

At Central Co-op, we understand the importance of effective communication in promoting self-care among our colleagues. Here are some of the ways we’re encouraging self-care through our communications:

 Weekly newsletters: Our newsletters feature tips on various self-care practices, success stories from colleagues, and expert advice on maintaining well-being. These run every week all year long, but in July we’ve put a special focus on self-care.

Workshops & webinars: We offer interactive sessions throughout the year on topics such as stress management, healthy living and emotional resilience.

Wellbeing Champions: A Wellbeing Champion is a point of contact if a colleague or someone they’re concerned about is experiencing wellbeing issues, including mental ill-health - they are not wellbeing professionals, but they can give initial support and signpost colleagues to appropriate help if required.

As we celebrate International Self-Care Day, let’s all take a moment to reflect on the importance of self-care in our lives. By prioritising our well-being, we not only improve our own health but also create a positive ripple effect in our communities. At Central Co-op, we’re committed to supporting our colleagues on their self-care journey, today and every day.