July 23, 2026 - 87 views
This International Self-Care Day (Friday 24th July), Bayside Radio is inviting people across North Wales to Take 24 Together by setting aside just 24 minutes to do something that supports their wellbeing.
Self-care doesn't have to mean grand gestures. Sometimes it's simply making time to pause, breathe and enjoy the little things that help us feel happier, healthier and more connected.
Over the past few weeks, we've been asking local charities, businesses, organisations and members of our community one simple question:
How will you spend your 24 minutes?
The responses have shown that there is no single way to practise self-care – it's about finding what works for you and your mind.
Looking After Your Mental Wellbeing
Paul Williams, Team Lead for the Changing Minds Project at Conwy Mind, believes self-care is one of the most important things we can do to protect our mental health.
Conwy Mind supports people across Conwy County through counselling, wellbeing groups, volunteering opportunities and projects such as Mental Health MOTs. Paul explains that you don't have to wait until you're at crisis point before asking for help.
"Much of the work we do is about helping people look after their mental health early, before things become overwhelming."
He compares caring for our mental wellbeing to looking after our physical health.
"Most of us wouldn't wait until a toothache was unbearable before going to the dentist or ignore our car until it completely broke down. Yet, with our mental health, we often convince ourselves to just keep pushing through."
Rather than waiting until life feels overwhelming, Paul encourages everyone to check in with themselves regularly by asking simple questions:
How am I really feeling?
What's been weighing on my mind recently?
What's one small thing I could do today to help me feel just a little bit better?
He also reminds us that self-care doesn't have to take hours.
"Instead of thinking self-care has to take an hour, think about what you could realistically do in five or ten minutes. Small habits are often much more effective than waiting for the perfect opportunity."
His final message is simple but important.
"Looking after yourself isn't selfish. When you're mentally well, you're in a much better position to support everyone else too."
If you'd like to find out more about the support available through Conwy Mind, visit their website.
You can also listen to Paul’s feature here. Click to listen.
Self-Care Through Culture
Self-care can take many forms, and for some people it means taking time to discover something new, connect with local history and enjoy a welcoming community space.
Alicia Enston from Llandudno Museum says: "As an Accredited Museum, we're passionate about making our collections accessible and creating welcoming spaces where people can learn, connect and support their wellbeing."
This year's International Self-Care Day also marks the opening of the museum's new temporary exhibition, 100 Years of Dresses, running from 24 July until 21 August in partnership with Prom Ally.
The exhibition explores a century of fashion while encouraging new audiences to engage with local heritage.
Alicia added: "We hope it provides another opportunity for people to take some time for themselves, explore something new and enjoy the wellbeing benefits that museums can offer."
How Our Community is Taking 24
Local organisations have also been getting involved.
Southern House Nursing Home will be treating residents to relaxing hand massages as part of International Self-Care Day, creating an opportunity for residents to unwind, enjoy some one-to-one time and focus on their wellbeing.
Their involvement is a lovely reminder that self-care is important at every stage of life and can be as simple as taking time to help someone feel cared for.
One of the highlights of our Take 24 Together campaign has been hearing how people across North Wales are planning to spend their 24 minutes.
Their responses show that self-care means something different to everyone.
Tra Morgan is planning to slow down with an iced latte and a maple pecan slice while enjoying the views from the end of Bangor Pier.
"I'll be having 24 minutes of pure pleasure with an iced latte and maple pecan slice, sat at the end of Bangor Pier."
One local resident will be making the most of the warm weather with a refreshing sea swim.
"I'll be having a swim in the sea – usually cold-water swimming, but nice and warm in this weather."
Alex Cann will be spending his 24 minutes on the treadmill as he works towards his fitness goals.
"I'll be doing 24 minutes on the treadmill, as I'm trying to get in shape!"
Hydie Goldie plans to take time to simply stop, relax and switch off.
"I'll be taking the time to sit for 24 minutes and do absolutely nothing – just relax and try to switch off."
Kirsty Louise Jones will be spending quality time in her garden with her pets.
"I'll be sitting in my garden spending quality time with my pets and watching how happy and different their lives are, as things could have been a lot different for them. Priceless happiness."
Another local resident shared that they'll be spending their 24 minutes enjoying a quiet coffee in the garden, putting their phone away, staying off social media and appreciating the simple things in life that we often take for granted.
From quiet moments in nature to keeping active, enjoying a favourite treat or simply switching off for a while, these responses are a reminder that self-care doesn't have to be complicated - it just needs to be meaningful to you.
Wellbeing Support
If you're looking for ways to support your wellbeing beyond International Self-Care Day, Conwy Council Community Wellbeing Team can help connect adults with activities and groups available in their local area.
There are opportunities to suit a wide range of interests, including chair yoga, Coffee and a Chat sessions, Sing and Smile groups, walking netball, arts and crafts, bowls, social groups, Arthritis UK support groups and other community activities designed to help people stay active, meet new people and improve their wellbeing.
Take 24 Together
This International Self-Care Day, why not join us and Take 24 Together?
Go for a walk.
Visit a museum.
Enjoy a coffee.
