Each year, National Self-Care Week shines a spotlight on how we can all look after our health and wellbeing, and where can get support to do this when needed. The campaign is organised by the Self‑Care Forum to empower individuals, families and communities to make small but meaningful self-care choices. This year Self-Care Week runs from Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd November 2025 and focuses on the theme of ‘Mind and Body’.
Click here to visit the Self-Care Forum website to find out more and to get involved with the campaign.
What is self-care and why does it matter?
Self‑care is much more than bubble baths – it’s about daily habits that support physical, mental, emotional, and preventive health. From wholesome meals and regular exercise to stress management, healthy sleep, and seeking help when needed – self‑care is a powerful form of self‑love and long‑term health upkeep .
Self-care describes the role of individuals in preventing disease, managing their mental and physical health, and actively participating in their healthcare.
The concept was first recognised by WHO in 1983. WHO advocates for the value and potential contribution of self-care interventions within health systems, acknowledging its importance in times of major disruption, such as COVID-19. While self-care does not replace the healthcare system, it provides “additional choices and options for healthcare.” In a nutshell, self-care is healthcare.
Self-Care for our own wellbeing can be about taking time for you and the things that make you feel good. It gives you a chance to step back when life feels like a bit too much and put yourself first. Taking time for self-care is really important for your mental health. A lot of people think self-care is all about face masks, candles and relaxing baths (and for some people it is!) but self-care is different for everyone. Self-care can be a great benefit for your mental health and wellbeing, it can help you to; restore balance, lower the pressure and boost your mental health. Finding what self-care works for you is important but it is about trying different things and going with what makes you feel good.
Mind & Body
The theme for Self-Care Week 2025 is ‘Mind & body’ which is about recognising that our mental and physical health are tightly linked, and that self-care isn’t just about one or the other – it’s about taking actions that support both.
Self-care means the simple things we do ourselves to stay well: eating well, moving our bodies, looking after our minds, being aware when something’s not quite right — and acting early. The week offers messages such as: good nutrition, regular exercise, supporting mental wellness, connecting socially, managing common ailments and long-term conditions, and making the best use of our health services (for example asking a pharmacist for help).
Self-Care ideas for your mind and body
Here are some really simple, practical acts you can build into your week — small steps make a big difference:
- Take a brisk 10- to 15-minute walk outdoors. It boosts your circulation and clears your head.
- Set aside 5 minutes to sit quietly (without screens) and breathe slowly. Just noticing how you feel.
- Snack on a piece of fruit instead of a sugary treat – little swaps add up.
- Call or check in with a friend or family member. Social connection lifts mood and resilience.
- If you’re unsure about a symptom or health concern, consider checking in with your local pharmacy or health professional early.
- Taking vitamin D supplements – particularly useful as we head into the darker winter months.
- Move a bit more: stretch at your desk, take the stairs if you can, stand up every hour.
- Remind yourself: managing everyday health is not just reactive — it’s proactive.
The Self-Care Forum have created a range of factsheets covering health and wellbeing topics, from backpain to menopause, winter wellness to acne. They provide patients with information on:
- Useful facts
- What people can expect to happen (the natural history)
- What people can do to help themselves – now and in the future
- When to seek medical help (the ‘red flags’)
- Where to find out more
Click here to access the factsheets on the Self-Care Forum website.
Self-Care Week closely links to the Five Ways to Wellbeing (connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give), by encouraging people to strengthen social connections, move more, be mindful of their health, learn how to care for themselves better, and share support within their communities. To find out more about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how these 5 daily actions can help you improve your wellbeing, click here.
What can wellbeinginfo.org do to support my Self-Care?
wellbeinginfo.org is a directory of services and information across Sunderland and surrounding areas which aims to help you to look after your own health and wellbeing by signposting you to appropriate support. So if you do want to make self care a part of your everyday life but you’re not sure where to start or where to go then wellbeinginfo.org is a great place for you to start.
You might start by searching our service directory to find local organisations who can support you. Or, you might click here to check our local directory of groups or events. Alternatively you can click here to start at our home page to search for what’s right for you.
