Celebrate International Self Care Day on July 24th and take the time to prioritise your personal health to enjoy better physical, mental, emotional and environmental wellness.

The day was established in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation to highlight how proactive personal health management benefits all individuals and relieves pressure on global healthcare systems, including the NHS.

How to Practice Self-Care

Incorporate the “Seven Pillars of Self-Care” into your lifestyle, this way you can practice self-care every day.

  1. Knowledge and Health Literacy: Understand basic health information and make informed decisions about your wellbeing.
  2. Mental Wellbeing, Self-Awareness and Agency: Know your personal health metrics, such as body weight, BMI, blood pressure or stress levels. This way you can nurture your emotional and mental wellbeing.
  3. Physical Activity: Move your body regularly. According to the NHS, adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity per week.
  4. Healthy Eating: Provide your body with the nourishment it needs. This includes a balanced, nutritious diet with the appropriate calorie and nutrient intake.
  5. Risk Avoidance: Take proactive steps to avoid hazards, this includes quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and using sunscreen. Avoiding risks like these help prevent long-term health conditions.
  6. Good Hygiene: Keep up with your cleanliness on a daily routine to prevent the spread of illness. This includes good practises, such as washing hands, brushing teeth and safe-food preparation.
  7. Rational Use of Products and Services: This means being a responsible consumer of healthcare resources and includes understanding the guidelines and potential side effects of medication, supplements and medical services.

How can HSL help with self-care

Since 1968, HSL has been dedicated to crafting furniture that benefits your health and wellbeing. Each piece is made with Clever Comfort™ design principles, from our exclusive chair fitting service that matches you to the correct chair to the materials that build your furniture.

HSL has spent decades collaborating with ergonomic experts to ensure every piece of furniture works for your body and lifestyle. This includes working alongside our independent Occupational Therapist, Julie Jennings Dip COT HCPC who thoroughly tests and evaluates each piece.

We’re proud to work with the University of Leeds to research the physiological impacts of sitting in a HSL chair that’s correct for you. The research was run by Dr Andrea Utley, a Reader in Motor Control and Learning in the School of Biomedical Sciences.

By working with leading experts and leading-edge technology, our chairs provide the care your body needs. Enjoy health benefits including improved blood circulation and lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate and pain relief.

And our HSL chairs are perfect for hobbies, relaxing and exercising, here are 10 easy chair exercises for older adults.

The Best Chairs to Practice Self Care

The best place to practice self-care is in the space you feel most comfortable. For a lot of us, that is in the heart of our homes and in our favourite chair.

Riser Recliner Chairs

Riser Recliner chairs offer you comfort and confidence in every movement. Rise and recline with smooth motor movements to improve independence, alleviate back pain and enhance circulation in your legs.

Recliner Chairs

Recliner chairs are the most inviting chair you can relax in. Sit back with your feet up. Recliner chairs distribute your body weight evenly, reducing joint strain, alleviating back pain and minimising swelling in your legs and feet.

Armchairs

Armchairs are a necessity in any home, especially those with high-back and high-seat designs. Our high-back armchairs provide essential ergonomic support for your head, neck, posture and hips – offering a comfortable resting spot to relax.

Fireside Chairs

Not only are Fireside chairs eye-catching, the high-seat, high-back designs accompanied with sturdy wooden details allow your neck, legs and posture to be fully supported whilst enhancing independence for those who need extra assistance when standing or sitting.

Snuggle Chairs

Sink into a Snuggle chair and into the comfort and support with your favourite book and blanket. Handcrafted with proper posture control to reduce pressure on your neck, shoulders and spine, the snuggle seat is perfect for hobbies and relaxing.

Swivel Chairs

One of the most comfortable places to unwind. The Swivel chair is the perfect accessory for any room with enhanced mobility to adapt to any function, from an evening relax to afternoon hobbies.

Simple Self Care Ideas from your Chair

  • Watch your favourite TV show or movie
  • Read a book
  • Listen to music or a podcast
  • Learn a new language
  • Challenge yourself with crosswords, Sudoku and logic puzzles
  • Declutter your mind and journal
  • Tackle life admin by planning your weekly meals or budget
  • Learn how to knit, crochet or embroider
  • Keep your hands busy with an Adult Colouring book
  • Have a technology detox and meditate

For more hobby ideas, check out 7 fun Hobbies to do at Home from Your Chair or Sofa.

Make time for yourself this International Self Care Day and find comfort in a HSL chair. Build the 7 Pillars of Self Care into your every day and learn to take a break, relax and look after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Settle into your favourite HSL chair and learn a new hobby or pick up where you left off.