How Elastic Path Celebrated International Self-Care Day

Did you know that July 24th is International Self-Care Day?

This is a day dedicated to focus on the importance of wellness and self-care. The world health organization, defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.” Self-care is anything that enables you to take care of yourself and manage your own well-being. Self-care is good for your mental health, it can help manage your day-to-day stress, lower your risk of illnesses, and increase your energy.

On Friday, July 23rd, our company recognized International Self-Care Day by providing the day off. Being a global company, often our holidays do not align, so this was a day all employees across geos had the day off. This day was a time to shut down from work, unplug from our emails, disconnect from our Slack channels, and completely unwind. This day was very important for the company to come together and recognize how hard we have worked over the past year and reward ourselves to have a day of rest, and to recharge.

How Employees Spent Their Self-Care Day:

Our team took this day to enjoy hobbies, spend time with family members, disconnect from the digital world and step away fully from their desks.

Shaneil, Senior Product Marketing Specialist, spent the day with family. She mentions, “I was able to surround myself with the people I love the most and taking a break. I got a 2-hour workout in with my mom, took a stroll through Boston public garden with my parents and had dinner together as a family, something I haven’t been able to do in 2 years [due to the pandemic].”

Other employees got to have some quality time with their kids. Whether it was taking the kids to camp, the driving range or other adventures, some employees got that one-on-one time they wanted with their little ones.

Some employees caught up with an old friend that haven’t seen in a long time. Arlene, Lead Technical Writer, spent her day off catching up with an old friend she hasn’t see in a long time. Arlene mentions “I contacted an old friend who lives near where my appointment was. We chat regularly but haven’t seen each other in a very long time. We went for lunch and spent a long time eating and chatting as if no time had ever passed. It was what I needed. It was so nice to meet up with a friend and just hang out. Something I haven’t done in ages.”

Another theme of the day was spending quality time alone. Mel, Senior Delivery Manager, mention “I LOVE Elastic Path for giving me a self-care day. I needed it! I spent my day having a very chilled morning reading a book, drinking lots of coffee, doing a bit of yoga before having a great lunch. I spent my afternoon checking out the thrift & upcycle fashion shops in my local area, so I managed to get quite a few steps to give the body something to think about. It was awesome and it was all about ME.”

Others took the time to disconnect from the online world completely. Emily, Customer Success Manager, was able to spend time to reconnect with herself and nature. Her definition of nature was a nice day at the spa, in Scandinave, Whistler, where the scenery is stunning. Emily highlights how “working for a company that not only says its important for a self-care day, but it does something above and beyond to show it.”

Many employees took time to get outside. Megan, People and Culture Advisor, went on a hike called “Eagle Bluffs” which overlooks Vancouver. Megan highlights, “it was a clear day, so the views were amazing, I usually only get to hike on weekends so getting out on a weekday was really nice, as the trails were quiet.” Megan further mentions how hiking allows her to be “present in the moment,” while also getting out for exercise and explore amazing places. Others enjoyed time outside by going on bike rides, playing disc golf, walking, and more.

If you want to take part in a company that recognizes the importance of wellness and self-care, check out our Career Page.