Self-care is a form of activism. What does that mean in 2021?
Self-care /ˌselfˈker/: the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
Many think of spa days and mani-pedis, which we love, but self-care should be thought of in a much more holistic practice of physical and mental health that allows everyone to be their whole self. Because when we're healthy in our hearts and minds, we can show up for others who need us. But self-care means different things to everyone.
Rachel Cargle, public academic and founder of The Loveland Foundation, said in this profile by The Washington Post, "I have a lot of conversations about what self-care looks like. If a middle-class white woman decides to go to the spa, it’s just ‘self-care.’ If a poor black woman decides to take a day off work, she’s being irresponsible. Who deserves to care for themselves?”
Self-care is different for each person and may be different from day to day. An act of self-care for one person could actually be triggering for someone else, such as visiting with family or getting a massage that brings up trauma. We choose to celebrate and encourage the idea of self-care and whatever that means to each person so all in our communities can show up for themselves, their family and us.
We pulled self-care strategies from different mental health groups and put together this list of 41 ways to do self-care. When you've taken care of yourself, think about how you can help others make space to find and take part in self-care. Hosts have organized self-care events with SameSide to raise money and awareness of The Loveland Foundation which works to bring culturally competent therapy to Black women and girls in America. Find events here.
Start Your Day Strong
Remember The Small Things
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