August 21

Internet Self-Care Day

Take some time for yourself and practice self-care - today is Internet Self-Care Day! Unplug from your devices and reconnect with yourself.

Yearly Date

August 21

Observed in

United States

Introduction

August 21 is the perfect day to practice self-care and show some love for yourself with Internet Self-Care Day! This annual event was created by Mental Health America in 2018 as a way to promote positive mental health through online activities. It's a great opportunity for everyone, no matter your age or background, to take some time out of their day and focus on self-care while using the internet.

Internet Self-Care Day Timeline

1990

Invention of the Internet

The public usage of internet started in 1990, making online communication and connectivity accessible globally.

2004

Rise of Social Media

Facebook, one of the most influential platforms, was launched in 2004, marking the rise of social media.

2010

Internet for Mental Health

By the 2010s, mental health organizations and advocates started leveraging online platforms to spread awareness and promote mindfulness activities.

2015

Mobile Health Apps Boom

Various mobile apps for meditation, mindfulness and therapy emerged, allowing users to practice self-care from their own devices.

2018

First Internet Self-Care Day

Created by Mental Health America, the first Internet Self-Care Day was celebrated to promote positive mental health through online activities.

How to Celebrate Internet Self-Care Day

1 Unplug and take a break

Take a few hours or the entire day to unplug from the internet and all of its distractions. Get out in nature, take a walk, or just sit in silence and enjoy some offline activities.

2 Create an online wellness plan

Take some time to create a plan for how you want to use the internet and how it should fit into your life. Set boundaries around when and how much time you spend online.

3 Focus on meaningful connections

Use the internet to connect with other people in meaningful ways, like having conversations or sharing experiences which can help you feel more connected.

4 Choose content that uplifts

Be mindful of what kind of content you are consuming online and make sure it's something that is positive and uplifting. Avoid negative or toxic content as much as possible.

5 Practice gratitude online

Take some time to appreciate all of the good things that the internet has brought into your life, from finding new friends to discovering interesting hobbies or even just being able to stay connected with family members near and far.

Why Internet Self-Care Day is Important

Helps reduce stress levels

The internet can be a great place to relax and take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. Internet self-care helps to reduce stress levels by allowing you to prioritize your mental health, learn new skills, or just take some time to yourself away from constant notifications.

Keeps us connected

Internet self-care day also serves as an important reminder to take time for ourselves while still managing to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues. It's a great way to maintain relationships online without feeling overwhelmed by your digital devices!

Encourages healthy habits

Internet self-care is not only about taking time for yourself; it's about forming healthy habits that will serve you in the long run. Setting boundaries on technology use, creating healthy routines, and sticking to them are all key components of mindful internet self-care!