July 24 is International Self-Care Day — and honestly, when I hear that, my first thought is usually:
“That’s cute. But when exactly am I meant to fit that in?”
I’m Zoe – one half of the Hey Zomi founding duo, and a mum of two little wildlings under four. I co-run this beautiful biz, and like so many of you, I’m juggling work, life admin, relationships, group chats I haven’t replied to, and a mental load that only gets heavier when my period hits.
Honestly? Most days, I’m just trying to get through in one piece. 🫠
And while life is full, it’s also a lot.
Self-care? It’s the first thing to fall off the list when things get busy — which is... always.
But here’s what I’ve come to realise:
Self-care doesn’t have to look like a wellness retreat. It doesn’t have to be productive. And it definitely doesn’t need to be Instagrammable.
Sometimes, it’s:
Sitting on the couch with tea and chocolate instead of being productive.
Saying no to things I don’t have capacity for.
Having a period treat ready to go, and giving myself full permission to blob in stretchy pants.
Letting the to-do list be incomplete — and being okay with that.
Self-care can be tiny. Quiet. Imperfect.
But when it’s done with intention — even just a moment stolen back for yourself — it can make everything feel a little lighter.
Why International Self-Care Day matters-
It falls on July 24 (7/24) to symbolise that self-care is something we deserve 24/7 — not just on the calm, good days, but especially on the messy, chaotic, running-on-empty ones.
It’s not about striving. It’s about softening.
It’s not a reward you earn. It’s a right you already have.
A few self-care things that actually work for me:
🍫 Chocolate and couch time during my period – with full permission to do nothing useful
🙅♀️ Saying no – and not feeling like I have to over-explain
🧺 Letting the house be a mess – and not making it mean anything about me
🥣 Simple dinner plans – Weet-Bix, toast, scrambled eggs, whatever keeps us fed without stress
💖 Not trying to do it all – just doing what matters, and letting the rest wait
So if you need a moment today to pause, blob, breathe, eat something nice, cancel plans, or just not achieve… this is your sign to do that.
You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to not be on top of everything.
You’re doing great!
With love,
💜 Zoe
Co-founder, Hey Zomi
