A Gentle Journey to Wellbeing

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn

Today, 24th July, we celebrate International Self‑Care Day—a global reminder that taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

For seniors like me, self-care has become more than a buzzword; it’s a conscious lifestyle that keeps us grounded, joyful, and healthy.

🕊 Why This Day Matters

Launched by the International Self-Care Foundation, this day symbolizes the idea that self-care should be practiced “24/7”—not just on July 24th, but all year round.

It promotes physical health, mental peace, emotional stability, and spiritual balance.

In youth, we often push ourselves too hard—chasing careers, managing families, rushing through life.

But in retirement, we finally gain the time and space to breathe, pause, and reconnect with our inner selves. That’s where self-care begins.

🌞 What Self-Care Means to Me as a Senior Citizen

After retiring from my long career in banking, I was suddenly confronted with time—abundant, yet unfamiliar. Initially, it felt like a void.

But soon I realized that this was my opportunity to invest in myself—to rediscover the neglected corners of my mind, body, and soul.

Self-care, for me, now includes:

• Morning walks under the open sky
  
• Sipping warm mint or green tea while journaling my thoughts
  
• Painting vibrant abstracts with the curiosity of a child
  
• Writing poems that give voice to unspoken feelings
  
• Dancing slowly with my partner, cherishing laughter over perfection

These small acts bring immense joy and clarity. They are my rituals of resilience.

😍 Simple Self-Care Habits Anyone Can Practice

Here are a few powerful yet simple self-care practices that can uplift anyone, regardless of age:

1. Start a Gratitude Journal:
   Write three things you’re thankful for each night. Gratitude rewires the brain to focus on abundance.
   
2. Set Healthy Boundaries:
   Say “no” without guilt. It’s okay to protect your peace.
   
3. Take Mental Breaks:
   Don’t overwhelm yourself with the news or digital noise. Pause. Reflect. Reconnect with nature.
   
4. Practice Deep Breathing:
   A few minutes of conscious breathing can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and bring calm.
   
5. Engage in Creative Expression:
   Paint, write, sing, or garden. Creativity heals in ways medicine cannot.
   
6. Stay Connected:
   Call a friend, play with your grandchild, or join a laughter club. Human connection is a form of healing.

🍎 Physical Wellness Is Emotional Wellness

As we age, the body demands more attention—but self-care isn’t about chasing youthful looks or intense workouts. It’s about honoring our body’s wisdom.

• I do light yoga and stretching in the morning. It keeps my joints fluid and my mood uplifted.
  
• I follow a simple, wholesome diet, including garlic, turmeric, and seasonal fruits.
  
• I stay hydrated and make sure to sleep on time—rest is a form of medicine.

These habits are not just health tips; they are affirmations of self-respect.

🧡 The Emotional Side of Self-Care

Let’s not forget the emotional load that many seniors carry—grief, regrets, loneliness. Self-care here means:

• Forgiving the past
  
• Letting go of what we can’t control
  
• Celebrating small joys

On difficult days, I write poetry. Or I sit in the garden and simply watch the world move—a child playing, a bird singing. These moments remind me: I am alive, and that is a gift.

❤️ The Legacy of Self-Care

If there’s one message I could pass on to the younger generation, it would be this:

Take care of yourself before life forces you to. Listen to your body, honor your heart, nurture your mind.

Self-care isn’t indulgent. It’s intelligent. It prevents burnout, supports resilience, and allows us to show up for others in better shape—emotionally and physically.

😂Self-Care Is a Daily Celebration

So, on this International Self‑Care Day, I invite you to take one small step toward caring for yourself. Light a candle. Go for a walk. Write a letter to yourself. Hug someone. Or just breathe—and feel grateful for this life.

Remember: You are not too old, too late, or too tired. Self-care is timeless. And so are you.

With warmth and mindfulness,
– Vijay Verma
Writer • Artist • Lifelong Learner
📍retiredkalam.com

Categories: infotainment

Tags: #creativity, #elderly, #happiness, #mental health, #mindfulness, #Self Care, #selfcare, #wellness, health