International Natural Day 2023: Date, History and Activities

Frequently, we feel the pressure to conform to the popular or common conception of beauty in order to earn the love, respect, and approval of those around us.

International Natural Day is observed annually on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, as a reminder to love oneself without seeking external validation. Also known as International Day of Self-love, it is observed to diminish the importance of conforming to societal norms. It is a day to remind everyone that they should love themselves because they are beautiful in their own way. Therefore, on this day, raise a toast to the most important and beautiful person in your life: yourself.

The History of Natural Day

Frequently, we feel the pressure to conform to the popular or common conception of beauty in order to earn the love, respect, and approval of those around us. Culturally, we place a high value on receiving love from others, overlooking the fact that our most vital relationship is with ourselves. If we do not love ourselves, nobody will consider us deserving of love. If we continue to belittle ourselves, we may sabotage our lives and relationships. It may result in substance abuse, self-deprecating behaviour, workaholism, extreme guilt, and low self-esteem, in addition to toxic relationships.

International Natural Day, also known as International Day of Self-Love, is observed annually on February 13 to encourage individuals with insecurities and uncertainties to abandon self-doubt and celebrate themselves unconditionally. Motivated by a personal event, Sanah Jivani, founder and CEO of the Love Your Natural Self Foundation, created the day and her foundation.

In seventh grade, Jivani was horrified to discover nearly all of her hair on her pillow one morning. The condition known as Alopecia Universalis caused her to lose all of her hair. She lost all of her hair along with her confidence. Her appearance provoked ridicule and harassment from those in her vicinity. It fed her insecurities and propelled her into a downward spiral of self-hatred. Jivani realised that demonising herself was counterproductive and began repairing her self-image by redefining her beauty standards. She constantly reminded herself that she was beautiful in her own way and did not need society’s approval.

International Natural Day represents the next step in Jivani’s mission to encourage others to appreciate their natural beauty. The day urges you to enhance your sense of self-worth and recognise the inherent beauty within and around you.

International Day of the Environment Activities

Spend some time for yourself.

Perform self-focused activities, such as meditating, going for a run, preparing a new dish, or reading a book. If you have guests, inform them that they will be on their own today because you wish to spend time alone. They may participate provided that they are completely unbiased. Do not seek the approval of others for your actions.

Treat yourself

There are no early morning rushes, hurried showers, or gulping the smoothie. Take a break from your daily responsibilities. Make an appointment with a spa or salon and indulge in some self-love, regardless of the cost. If that is not possible, lather yourself with the recently purchased shower gel.

Exist in the present.

Observe everything you encounter carefully and look for the good in it. Note that the baby who coos at you in the subway, the old man who smiles at you to say good morning, and the children who are happily playing with the street dogs are all content with small things. Instead of dwelling on what you’ve lost, it will remind you to count your blessings and be grateful for what you have.