Beyond the spa: LifeWorks NW staff offer their tips on International Self-Care Day

Jul 21, 2025

Kelly Adams

A woman in a pink sweatshirts holds a water bottle and smiles at someone in conversation.

While term “self-care” often inspires images of massages and bubble baths, the concept goes beyond occasional pampering. International Self-Care Day is July 24. In observance, we offer the self-care practices of a few members of LifeWorks NW staff with a caveat: while International Self-Care Day is one day of the year, self-care is a daily practice.

Traveling

Many cited adventures away from home as a way to recharge.

Nancy Kramer, Human Resources Generalist, frequently returns to her hometown of New York City. A visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must. Other destinations have included Ukraine, Wales, Brazil, and Paris.

Wherever you may go - event just a few miles away - a change of scenery can have a big impact.

Creating

LifeWorks NW staff enjoy making things, and being creative can be a form of self-care.

Andrea Kerr, Senior Marketing Designer, fulfills the wishes of children by baking cakes for special celebrations. Social service agencies, such as foster care, refer the youth who are treated to a cake made just for them. Many have never received a birthday or graduation cake.

The more challenging the request, the better. One youth asked for ‘Lionel Messi, Unicorn, Soccer?’ for example. The result was a colorful, fanciful confection.

“I don’t know what I’m doing, I just Google things and keep working on it,” Andrea says. “I have an unreasonable amount of confidence in my ability to make things that I see.”

Alyx Walker, Program Director, says. “I enjoy building and assembling different projects from the Dark Side Star Wars Legos to miniature themed book ends. There are lighting kits now for many Lego models which is an awesome upgrade. My hobbies take a lot of focus and patience!”

Learning

Self-care can also take the form of acquiring new knowledge.

Mental Health Therapist Amy Karr loves to read, often two books at a time - one fiction, one nonfiction. She gains new ways of looking at her work as she delves into self-help books that offer insights into the human brain and spirit.

“I love to learn,” she says.

Joshua Tabaldo, Service Director, echoes that. His own self-care, as well as advice he gives, is: “Learn something new! I love trying out a new recipe (ideally a healthy one).”

Movement and mindfulness

Peer Supervisor Mary Fakhoury recognizes the importance of exercise for both herself and her clients.

She also recommends: “Practice noticing different things around you. Smelling flowers. Coloring and gardening. Dancing, talking to friends and family. Cooking, attending classes, groups that pertain to hobbies. Meditating, praying, and writing.”

Focusing on the current moment by quieting the mind is another popular form of self-care. Kana Shephard, Peer Support Specialist, embraces the habit.

“My favorite self-care practices are seven-minute meditations on the breath every morning,” he says. “With clients, I make suggestions depending on circumstances. Decaf, usually, and popcorn.”

General self-care tips

It only takes about half an hour a day to reap the benefits of physical activity; it does not even need to be 30 minutes in a row.
Drinking enough water supports every physical health. Taking a minute to drink a glass of water can also calm anxiety.
Check in with your breathing. Your brain works better when it has enough oxygen.
Eat in a way that supports your energy and mood – that morning donut or afternoon coffee is a treat. A sugar or caffeine crash could follow.
Spend time in community. Studies indicate that loneliness can be more hazardous to your health than smoking. Time spent with others is self-care.
Volunteering is another way to combat loneliness, support self-care, and create positive change.