Let’s set the scene: Its dusk. You’re checked into a five-star luxury resort with a view of sprawling Napa Valley vineyards, and you’re settled in for an hour-long massage. The candles are glowing, the scent of vanilla and lavender diffuses throughout the spa, and the moment feels perfect. This is my dream self-care experience. However, yours might look different.

International Self-Care Day

Self-Care means doing things to support your mental health, physical health and emotional health. In today’s hyper-competitive world, people may feel like they cannot pause for even a moment. A stressful lifestyle has become the norm. In 2011, the Global Self-Care Foundation (GSCF) designated July 24 as international self-care day as a response. GSCF’s resounding message is that self-care must be prioritized: it is the key to sustainable healthcare. GSCF’s vision is to create a world where self-care is recognized, embraced and seamlessly integrated into healthcare systems…” International Self-Care Day marks the end of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s self-care month, which highlights the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. According to WHO, self-care encompasses practical health-promoting tools and personal choices. WHO offers several resources to help individuals learn more about this topic:

Self-Care Resources

• WHO Guideline on Self-Care Interventions for health and well-being (2022)
• WHO Factsheet: Self-care for Health and Wellbeing
• WHO Self-Care Interventions for Health Video

Self-Care for Parents

Although self-care is important for everyone, it’s particularly crucial for parents. Parenting is one of the most challenging jobs of all, and it can be so easy for parents to neglect their own needs for the sake of their kiddos. If you’re a parent looking for simple self-care ideas, check out some of these ideas:

• Get enough sleep! Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep nightly to recharge
• Put on a soothing music playlist and journal, doodle or write positive affirmations. Here are some reflective journal prompts for inspiration.
• Spend some time outdoors! Fresh air and exercise do wonders for the brain
• Create a home spa experience with a bubble bath, music and scented candles. Lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus scents are comforting options
• Mediate or do yoga to de-stress. Here are some local yoga studios
• Put your phone away and engage in a relaxing craft or mindful coloring
• Read a good book. Here are some recommendations

Ann Arbor Area Wellness Retreats

If you’re able to splurge on a weekend or week-long wellness retreat, this is another great idea! There are several options within an hour of Ann Arbor where you can relax, connect with yourself and explore new rejuvenating rituals. Attending a wellness retreat is a fantastic self-care idea. Sign up solo or with a group of friends.

Here are 5 local retreats and health centers in the Ann Arbor area:

EarthWell Retreat Center

Nestled in the midst of a nature sanctuary this unique center offers all-inclusive day, weekend and week-long packages to help support you in your self-care journey! Programming includes yoga, mindfulness, massage and guided nature connection.

For more information, call 989-442-6779 or email [email protected].

18580 Grass Lake Rd, Manchester

Rhythm and Flow Wellness

This center offers unique weekend or day retreats. They connect guests to immersive wellness experiences at beautiful destinations throughout the state. Featured packages include mindful movement experiences (yoga, hiking, kayaking), massage and acupressure, facials, outdoor exploration (yoga on the beach), culinary or art workshops within nature.

For more information, contact [email protected] or see their package options here.

Location Varies by Retreat Package

RELATED: Winter Self-Care for the Whole Family

Stone Chalet Bed and Breakfast Inn and Event Center

Branded as a “restorative escape at the historic stone chalet”, this bed and breakfast offers several self-care packages to pamper yourself or a loved one! Options include massage therapy sessions with herbal tea, aromatherapy and peaceful music. And an added bonus: you can relax within a beautiful floral garden space!

For more information, call/text 866-382-6542 or email [email protected]

1917 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor

Rudolf Steiner Health Center

This unique wellness center offers intensive retreat programs, art classes and special programs such as fasting weekends. The 2-week-long Life Force Intensive Session is designed for patients with chronic illnesses or cancer. The program consists of daily therapy treatments, group activities, lectures and simple healthy meals under the care of a licensed physician. Insurance may be accepted to cover the program costs. Check out the informational webpage. For more information, call 734-663-4365.

1422 W. Liberty St. Ann Arbor

BEAN, Inc. Wellness Retreats

Balance, Energy, Activity and Nourishment (BEAN) offers unique wellness programs and workshops. The company hosts diverse online and in-person retreat offerings, workshops and events for individuals, groups or corporate groups. Examples of upcoming offerings include: Emotional Intelligence Transformation Workshop, Summer Detox Retreat, FIT Camp and Serenity Micro Retreat. See the 2025 Retreats, 2026 Retreats and BE WELL Corporate Retreats if interested in booking. For more information, contact 888-890-4874, email [email protected] submit a question here.

311 N. Ashley St. Ann Arbor

Even though self-care month 2025 may be over, it’s never too late to achieve your health goals. Give yourself permission to book that yoga retreat, spa weekend or indulge in a new self-care ritual. Remember: self-care doesn’t have to be expensive: incorporating simple daily health-promoting habits into your existing routine is perhaps the most sustainable way to indulge in self-care this summer!