You may have encountered comments regarding your skin color, hair, and appearance, as well as expectations for you to work harder than others in the workplace, simply because you are a black woman. A friend of mine previously shared with me, “Michelle, I feel as though I am experiencing colonization all over again,” despite his level of education. These are some of the factors that may negatively impact your day, particularly when working with individuals who may be lacking in communication skills and are more focused on personal attributes rather than on the tasks that brought you together.
It is a common occurrence that we face daily. Nevertheless, gaining insight into how to handle these situations and prevent them from ruining your day is empowering. Self-care is one of the ways to avoid these routine events and encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle.
Self-care routines are important for everyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Self-care is about taking time for yourself to prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. However, it’s important to recognize that individuals from different backgrounds may have unique experiences and needs, and this includes Black girls and women.
Here are some reasons why self-care routines can be particularly important for Black girls:
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Addressing Racial Stress
Black individuals may face racial stress or discrimination, leading to an impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Practicing self-care can offer a mechanism to deal with such stressors. Self-care enables you to attain a heightened level of awareness, which in turn helps you respond appropriately to both people and your surroundings. Understanding that some individuals may express remarks out of their own insecurities or to belittle others, recognizing this fact can allow you to realize that responding to such statements is futile. You are aware of your identity and purpose, so concentrate on accomplishing what needs to be done. If you are feeling uneasy, take a stroll and seek a different location.
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Nurturing Mental Health
If you want to maintain balance in your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, follow these self-care guidelines. Self-care practices can aid in reducing stress, anxiety and depression which may have a greater impact on us due to social inequalities and systemic racism. Value yourself with respect, and avoid self-criticism to help maintain your self-esteem. My mother will say “keep your head held high”. It’s important to prioritize yourself before anything else, and maintaining good mental health enables optimum functionality in both your work and society.
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Empowerment
One self-care practice is to enhance oneself in professional and personal aspects, empowering the individual to reach their maximum potential. Engaging in self-care can empower Black girls to prioritize their needs and well-being, especially in a society that often overlooks their experiences and needs. You can be whoever you wish to be, and never allow anyone to define you as inferior. Brace yourself for the challenge and keep the race on.
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Building Resilience
Self-care can aid in fostering resilience, crucial for Black girls to navigate and surmount unique challenges and obstacles they may encounter. Know your identity, maintain meaningful social connections, and have a supportive family structure. Recognize that many people’s actions stem from their own insecurities, so rise above and maintain your self-assurance. Continuously strive for personal growth and plan for a bright future.
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Promoting Physical Health
Maintaining good physical and mental health is crucial. Self-care involves prioritizing physical health through exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and attending routine check-ups is vital for overall well-being. Physical activity increases the production of endorphins, neurotransmitters in the brain that induce positive feelings, which can benefit you.
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Creating a Safe Space
Self-care routines can create a secure and hallowed haven where you can contemplate, renew, and invigorate yourself. Such space engenders a feeling of affinity and approval, and it can exist either as a tangible location or a mental refuge that you envision to augment your mindfulness and lessen your anxiety. Creating a secure space is a truly individual and calming experience. It can involve strolling in the garden or enjoying some solitary time with your preferred music. Within this environment, all your senses are engaged, allowing you to interact with everything around you.
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Celebrating Cultural Identity
Self-care can involve celebrating one’s cultural identity, connecting with traditions, and drawing strength from cultural heritage. Celebrating your identity helps you understand your roots and interact with people from different cultures, cultivating an open-minded and non-judgmental attitude. You also can acknowledge that differences can be advantageous, rather than detrimental, and refrain from imposing your opinions on those who hold opposing views.
Self-care is a highly individualized endeavor, and what may be effective for one person may not translate to another. The key is identifying activities and rituals that are congruent with your unique self and cultivate feelings of wellness and vitality. Self-care is not an indulgent luxury; rather, it is an essential ingredient for fostering physical and psychological health, allowing you to manifest your most optimal self across all facets of life.
