Credit: Pixabay

On Thursday 24 July 2025, International Self-Care Day will be celebrated across the world as individuals and communities engage in activities to foster well-being, both physically and mentally.

In a world where chronic stress, burnout and sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common, the purpose of International Self-Care Day is to focus on the importance of holistic health, emphasising a preventive approach to health, rather than one centred around treatment and advocates proactive measures such as physical activity, nutritious eating, mental health care, mindfulness and community connection. These practices are intended to not only improve individual lives but also reduce the burden on healthcare systems, strengthen workplace productivity and build more resilient communities.

The origins of International Self-Care Day can be traced back to a grassroots initiative which began in the early 2010s. Health advocates, educators and community leaders came together with a common vision to create a dedicated time during the year to promote accessible, sustainable wellness practices. Unlike other wellness events driven by commercial or institutional organizations, 24 July was shaped by communities seeking to inspire everyday wellness that could be practiced by anyone - regardless of background or socioeconomic status. The decision to mark the event annually on 24 July was intentional, with the seasonal timing encouraging people to step outside, reconnect with nature and prioritise habits that are beneficial to the body and mind, and the date abbreviating to 24/7 in recognition of self-care being a 24 hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week consideration.

Since its inception, International Self-Care Day has inspired a variety of events and activities around the world. While it is not yet recognised as an international holiday, its influence is steadily growing, particularly in schools, corporate environments, and wellness organisations.

The Luxembourg government has a number of self-care/wellness-related policies in place, covering physical activity, healthy eating, mental health, ageing well, workplace health and preventive healthcare. These include:

National Health Plan & Well‑Being Economy 

Launched in August 2023, the 10‑year National Health Plan centres on well-being within the country’s health policy. The plan promotes physical, mental and social health through evidence-based strategies and cross-sector collaboration. It emphasises integrated care, health promotion, digitalisation and resilient communities for a “well‑being economy”. The plan aligns with broader governmental goals and reflects input from both European initiatives and Luxembourg’s Small Countries Initiative.

GIMB National Plan 

Since 2006, the “Eat healthy, Move more” (Gesond iessen, Méi beweegen - GIMB) programme (2018‑2025) has driven inter-ministerial efforts to combat obesity and sedentary lifestyles. The current GIMB National Plan promotes balanced diets and regular physical activity across all ages, with a focus on collaboration between ministries.

Sport as a Health Therapy

The Programme National Thérapeutique Sport‑Santé (PNTSS) delivers over 70 hours of such activity via the Fédération Luxembourgeoise des Associations de Sport de Santé (FLASS) for individuals with chronic illnesses. It seeks to scale up patient participation through coordination, promotion, training and research.

Mental Health Framework

In July 2023, Luxembourg unveiled the National Mental Health Plan (2024–2028). It focuses on recovery, empowerment, and social inclusion, aiming to prevent mental illness, improve access to tailored treatment, and support social reintegration - especially for vulnerable groups. The plan outlines 26 objectives grouped across governance, data systems, workforce, prevention, care access and targeted support.

Elderly Well-Being & Active Ageing

Luxembourg’s Ministry for Family Affairs steers a policy for “Aging Well”, which focuses on maintaining seniors’ physical, mental and social well‑being. This cross-sector initiative covers lifelong learning, volunteering, intergenerational connection, digital inclusion and combating isolation. It complements care support and ensures financial access for dependent seniors via gerontological care subsidies.

Workplace Health Promotion

The Luxembourg Declaration on Workplace Health Promotion, encourages employer–employee collaboration to foster mental and physical well‑being at work. Strategies include improving organisational environments, enabling participation, and integrating health initiatives into corporate structures for effective, interdisciplinary approaches.

As part of the Luxembourg Urban Garden (LUGA ) open-air exhibition, the City of Luxembourg (VdL) is organising a series of “Yin‑Yang Flow” wellness workshops on Thursday 28 Aug and Thursday 25 September 2025, at the LUGA Cultural Hub in Edouard André Park, Luxembourg City. Entry is €5. 

Further information can be found at https://www.vdl.lu/en/whats-on/yoga-0