NATIONAL SELFIRST DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on August 24th
- FOUNDER
- Founded in 2026 by Amy Joy Gilliland
- WHAT
- A powerful reminder that prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health by investing in your well-being
- VIBE
- Putting yourself first is not a luxury or a source of guilt—it is a necessity
NATIONAL SELFIRST DAY
On August 24, pause, reflect, and intentionally invest in your well-being for National Selfirst Day. This annual observance serves as a powerful reminder that prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health is not a luxury or a source of guilt—it is a necessity.
#NationalSelfirstDay
National Selfirst Day is a movement for anyone who has ever felt guilty for setting boundaries, asking for help, taking time to rest, pursuing therapy, or stepping away from unhealthy dynamics. It stands as a comforting reassurance that choosing your own wellness is not something to apologize for—it is something to celebrate. When you put yourself first, you build the foundation to show up more fully for the people, responsibilities, and communities you love. When we take care of ourselves in balanced, healthy ways, everyone benefits.
What does "Selfirst" means?
The word "Selfirst" defines a healthy, necessary choice: intentionally putting your own well-being first so you can become the healthiest version of yourself.
We spend our days navigating responsibility, grief, stress, and sometimes trauma, while trying to function in a very fast-paced world. Taking time to step away from daily stresses and choosing yourself in healthy way is not selfish...it is necessary.
How to Practice Selfirst
Practice Guilt-Free Rest
Getting on a regular sleep schedule and putting away your devices screens for at least an hour before bedtime to help your mind recharge
Set Healthy Boundaries
Healthy boundaries prevent burnout by limiting overcommitment and help you establish mutual respect in relationships by clarifying expectations. Most importantly, they boost self-esteem by prioritizing your own needs.
Invest in Your Mental Health
Personal and group therapy is a highly effective way to heal from painful experiences and learn healthy coping mechanisms. It's also a way for your to talk about and process every day stresses that tend to cause anxiety.
Practice Gratitude
Identifying and appreciating small positives will help shift your focus away from negative thoughts.
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL SELFIRST DAY
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Block out time in your day dedicated entirely to your personal rejuvenation. Whether it's reading, taking a walk, or simply resting without checking your notifications, choose something that helps you reset.
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Practice the art of saying "no". When you decline additional commitments or step away from relationships that drain you, you begin to recognized protecting your peace as an act of self-compassion.
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Take a meaningful step toward your personal growth. Schedule a therapy session, attend a support group, or journal through your emotions. Finding a safe, professional space allows you to process emotions, learn evidence-based coping skills, and break destructive patterns.
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Acknowledge your personal victories, big or small. Whether it is a day, a month, or a year of sobriety, healing, or self-discovery, honor the progress you have made. Celebrating yourself acknowledges your personal achievements and boosts your confidence.
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Share what being "Selfirst" means to you and post a message of encouragement using the hashtag #NationalSelfirstDay.
HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL SELFIRST DAY
Amy Joy Gilliland submitted National Selfirst Day in 2026 as a powerful reminder that prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health is not a luxury or a source of guilt—it is a necessity. The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved the day to be celebrated each year on August 2026.
About the Founder
Amy Joy Gilliland is the founder of the Selfirst Movement and now, National Selfirst Day. She has been a speech language pathologist for more than 25 years, dedicating her career to helping older adults improve their quality of life. Born In Columbus Ohio, but raised in Tampa Florida, Amy has spent her life serving her community, both professionally and personally.
Amy is the proud mother of two adult children and lives in the Tampa Bay area with her husband Jonathan. After experiencing her own recovery journey, Amy realized that putting herself first in healthy ways wasn't selfish, it was essential. That realization inspired the creation of Selfirst, a movement dedicated to helping people prioritize their mental, emotional and physical well being without guilt.
Today, Amy's mission is to help change the conversation around self care by replacing guilt with permission and inspiring people to understand that when we take care of ourselves first we are better equipped to care for others.