The Color of Self-Care: An Encouragement to All Women of Color
If 2022 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of taking care of ourselves amid anxiety, uncertainty and fear. Depression, which disproportionately affects women of color, takes a significant toll on mental, physical and emotional health. Self-care is a tool that can be used to counter the effects of Black trauma. I recently took to social media and asked Black women from all walks of life to share what they are doing to revitalize their outlook on life, improve their mental health, eliminate stress and practice self-care. As I read their responses I noticed a few common threads, and I have learned much from what these mothers, wives, career women and caregivers wrote back to me.
Black women are natural caregivers who always put themselves last, often forgetting about their own mental, physical and emotional well-being. However, it’s important they put themselves first and make self-care the priority; it must become a daily ritual. You can’t help anyone if you’re not in a good place yourself. We don’t get a badge of honor for pushing ourselves to the limit. Just like on a plane, they must put their oxygen mask on first before they can assist others.
Black women must find time to replenish when they’ve reached their capacity. Finding time for wellness and self and not allowing others to run them ragged, includes prayer, meditation and learning to say no. There is something liberating about owing no explanation for refusing to do something that does not nourish you or your soul. Whoever said Black women must place everything and everyone before themselves?
For far too long, many Black women have neglected to place value on themselves. It’s time women of color acknowledge their true worth, give themselves grace and evict everything and everybody who leaves them depleted, resentful and emotionally broke. The reward: learning to love themselves just as deeply as they love others — Black women matter.
Black women must learn to be unapologetically themselves and cut off people and things that are toxic to their thoughts, energy and surroundings. How freeing it is to know you control the space where you can experience personal growth and peace!
Self-care is especially important for women of color who have experienced traumatic loss. Gently move with the ebbs and flow of emotions and be kind to yourself. Remember no two days are alike and it’s perfectly alright to ask for help.
Life is short. Self-care means doing things you enjoy, living life, spending time with people you love and love you back. Live for yourself and do what makes you happy. Be intentional about getting what you need to deal with the challenges you face every day.
Question posted on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Dozr01
Crystal Walker is the chief communicator and creative strategist for CrystaRene Consulting and a regular contributor at Hope magazine. Crystal is a published writer, event planner, voice-over talent, graphic designer, educator, communications coach and former radio personality.