MEDIA ALERT | NEW DAY PROCLAMATION | NATIONAL SELFIRST DAY | August 24
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Introducing National Selfirst Day: Official Proclamation Sets August 24 as an Annual Call to Prioritize Well-Being Without Guilt
Founded by Amy Joy Gilliland and officially registered with National Day Calendar, August 24 marks a new national movement encouraging individuals to embrace guilt-free self-care, mental wellness, and healthy boundaries.
TAMPA, Fla. — August 2026 — In a world driven by constant busyness and societal demands, prioritizing personal wellness is often mislabeled as selfish. To change that narrative, National Selfirst Day has been officially proclaimed and registered with the National Day Calendar, to be celebrated annually every August 24.
National Selfirst Day stands as a powerful reminder that taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health is not a luxury or a reason to apologize. It is an essential foundation for living a balanced, fulfilling life.
"After experiencing my own recovery journey, I realized that putting myself first in healthy ways wasn't selfish—it was essential. When we take care of ourselves first, we build the emotional and physical foundation required to show up more fully for our families, work, and communities. Our goal is to replace guilt with permission."
Amy Joy Gilliland, Tampa Bay resident, Speech-Language Pathologist of over 25 years, and founder of the Self First Movement
Why "Selfirst"?
The word Selfirst defines a healthy, conscious choice: intentionally putting your own well-being first so you can become the healthiest version of yourself. The observance is designed for anyone who has ever felt hesitant or guilty about:
Setting healthy boundaries to prevent burnout and overcommitment.
Practicing guilt-free rest by disconnecting from electronic devices and prioritizing restorative sleep.
Investing in mental health through therapy, counseling, or support groups.
Practicing daily gratitude and celebrating personal milestones in recovery and self-discovery.
5 Ways to Celebrate National Selfirst Day on August 24
Block Out Rejuvenation Time: Dedicate time during the day to read, take a nature walk, or rest without checking notifications.
Practice the Art of Saying "No": Decline extra commitments or step back from draining dynamics to protect your peace.
Invest in Personal Growth: Schedule a therapy session, attend a support group, or take time to journal through your emotions.
Celebrate Personal Victories: Honor progress in sobriety, mental health milestones, or personal achievements.
Join the Conversation: Share what being "Selfirst" means to you on social media using the official hashtag #NationalSelfirstDay.
About Amy Joy Gilliland
Amy Joy Gilliland is the founder of the Self First Movement and National Selfirst Day. Born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Amy has spent over 25 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults. Following her own recovery journey, she launched the Self First Movement to change the conversation surrounding self-care and mental health.
About National Day Calendar
National Day Calendar is the premier destination for tracking, celebrating, and creating national days, weeks, and months. Based in Mandan, North Dakota, the organization helps millions of fans across the country discover unique ways to celebrate everyday life.
Media Contact:
Marlo Anderson
[email protected]
(701) 204-6674
NationalDayCalendar.com