Self-Care: How to Prioritise Mental Wellness  

Jul 24, 2026

If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you’ve likely heard the routinely rehearsed safety protocol: in the event of an emergency, put on your oxygen mask before assisting others.  
 
The reasoning is simple enough, if you are unable to breathe, you can’t help others effectively. You might even end up being the one who requires help.  

The same principle applies to our mental health. Self-care is our oxygen mask. Despite the stigma that may exist, taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish; it is essential. By prioitising our own wellbeing, we build the capacity to support our friends, families, colleagues and communities. 
 
In our current world, it can be easy to fall into unbalanced routines in which other responsibilities and work demands take priority over our own wellbeing. Though some may view self-care as something optional or indulgent, neglecting one’s needs over time can contribute to stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. Self-care can help prevent ongoing stress from becoming overwhelming and is a key component of supporting one’s mental health. 

By focusing solely on getting through the week, we often sacrifice long-term well-being for short-term survival, but this does not address the root of emotional depletion. Regular self-care can strengthen our ability to cope with life’s challenges, build resilience, and support all dimensions of health. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is the ability of individuals to maintain their own health, prevent disease and cope with illness, with or without the support of a health or care worker. This definition recognizes people as active participants in their health and well-being, taking intentional steps to care for themselves.  
 

Importantly, self-care goes far beyond just bubble baths and forgetting your problems. It refers to everyday actions and habits that support all the different dimensions of one’s wellbeing. Practicing self-care involves more than supporting your mental wellness, it can also extend to financial, occupational, and social well-being. 

There is no single “right” way to practice self-care. Instead, it should reflect your individual needs, values, and lifestyle. Research shows that even small, intentional practices can have a meaningful impact.  
 

Activities such as mindfulness, meditation, spending time outdoors, and physical activity can help support emotional regulation, reduce stress levels, and increase self-awareness. 

Mindfulness, for example, helps us learn to observe thoughts without becoming emotionally entangled in them. Over time, regular mindfulness and meditation can not only help people manage stress in the moment, but it may also support longer-term resilience and coping. 

Similarly, regular physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins and can support mood regulation, improve sleep quality, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Spending time in nature can further enhance these benefits by reducing stress and helping us to feel more connected and grounded.  

The most important thing to remember is that self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Whether you dedicate five minutes each day or carve out longer periods throughout the week, small, consistent actions often have the greatest impact.  

July 24^th marks International Self-Care Day, serving as an annual reminder that looking after ourselves is not a luxury, it is an essential part of maintaining good mental health. 

Where to Start: Actions 

• Check In with Yourself – Pause and notice how you are feeling, both emotionally and physically. Notice any patterns in your mood, stress levels, or energy throughout the day.
• Create a Self-Care Plan – Identify a few activities you can turn to when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Download our Self-Care Menu for ideas.
• Practice Gratitude – Write down three things that you are grateful for each day to help bring attention to positive experiences.
• Unplug from Devices – Take regular, intentional breaks from screens and social media to reconnect with yourself and those around you. 
• Connect with Others – Reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague. Meaningful social connection is an important protective factor for mental well-being.  

Where to Start: Learning and Resources  

Building mental wellness is an ongoing journey. CMHA Calgary offers a variety of workshops, educational resources, and community programs designed to help individuals build knowledge and practical skills that support mental wellness. 

If you are looking for more inspiration, our team has shared some of their favourite books related to mental wellness. 

If reading isn’t your thing, we also have a few podcasts to recommend. 

Explore CMHA Calgary resources, courses and workshops to further discover what self-care might look like for you. See our upcoming courses and workshops through Recovery College Calgary – Canadian Mental Health Association