International Self-Care Day: The Reminder We Often Give Others, But Often Forget to Give Ourselves
October 22, 2026
✍️ Authored by Punit Shukla, Vice President | Human Reosurces | Falcon Agrifriz Foods Private Limited
In our professional lives, we often measure success through numbers - targets achieved, projects completed, revenue generated, teams built, and milestones delivered. These metrics matter. But there is another measure of success that deserves equal attention: our ability to sustain the journey without losing ourselves along the way.
Self-care is not about being less committed to our work. It is not about avoiding responsibility or choosing comfort over performance.
In fact, I believe the opposite is true.
Self-care is the discipline of protecting the energy, health, and perspective that enable us to perform consistently over the long term.
It can be as simple as getting enough sleep, taking a walk, eating mindfully, spending quality time with family, pursuing interests beyond work, taking a genuine break, or giving ourselves permission to disconnect and recharge.
Sometimes, self-care also means acknowledging that we cannot solve everything on our own. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness - it is a sign of wisdom.
As leaders, we must recognise the signs of fatigue in our teams. As colleagues, we should look out for one another. And as individuals, we must take ownership of our own well-being.
Perhaps the most meaningful act of self-care is to pause and ask ourselves: "How am I really doing?"
Not how the work is progressing. Not whether the targets have been achieved. Not whether everyone else is satisfied.
But how we are doing.
The answer may not always be easy, but acknowledging it is often the first step toward positive change.
I have always believed that professional success is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal is not simply to reach the destination quickly, but to have the health, relationships, energy, and sense of fulfilment to truly enjoy the journey.
On this International Self-Care Day, let us remember that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury - it is a responsibility. When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped to care for our families, support our colleagues, lead our teams, and create lasting value.
Take care of yourself. The people who depend on you will benefit from it too.