Let’s clear up a common misconception from the start: self-care is not synonymous with selfishness. In fact, it’s the opposite of that. In order to do your job, attend school, connect with friends and care for family, you have to care for yourself first. International Self-Care Day, which takes place on July 24th, acknowledges the importance of charging your physical, mental and emotional batteries and reminds us that self-care is an ongoing practice.
We don’t want to see you breaking a sweat every day of the week. No, we’re not April fooling you. If you want to make gains, you should build in rest days and active recovery into your workout routine. Without a little bit of both, overtraining can actually set you back by leaving you perpetually sore and fatigued. It can even lead to injury. So what’s the difference between a rest day and active recovery, and when should you deploy them? Let’s get into it.
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. The numbers are sobering and were exacerbated by the isolation, uncertainty, and upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic.