SelfCare Is Liberation for Black Women: You deserve to rest

The lived experience of Black women

In a world that often demands relentless strength from Black women, embracing self-care is not merely a luxury but a revolutionary act of self-preservation and empowerment. Prioritizing one’s well-being can lead to profound improvements in mental, emotional, and physical health, enabling Black women to reclaim their health, happiness, and power. In essence, selfcare is liberation for Black women and that, is not an exaggeration.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care involves intentional actions to nurture one’s mental, emotional, and physical health. For Black women, it serves as a vital tool to counteract the effects of systemic racism, societal expectations, and the “strong Black woman” stereotype, which often pressures them to prioritize others over themselves. Engaging in self-care can mitigate stress, reduce health disparities, and enhance overall quality of life. However, unsurprisingly, the same socio-cultural and environmental issues that are the cause of these issues, also function to stymy efforts to address them.

Barriers to Self-Care

Despite its importance, several barriers often impede Black women from practicing self-care namely:

• Societal Expectations:

The “strong Black woman” narrative or trope can lead to feelings of guilt or shame when prioritizing personal needs. It’s also rooted in white supremacy and misogyny. It’s also important to note that due to the intersectional nature of the Black woman experience, these pressures are replicated within the black community and adds another layer of pressure to a group of women who are already exhausted and carrying generational exploitation. 

• Financial Constraints:

• Limited access to financial resources may make certain self-care activities seem unattainable. Even accounting for education, socio-economical status, etc. it’s well documented that Black women make substantially less than their white female counter parts and male colleagues. This further reduces access to much needed selfcare tools and resources.

• Time Limitations and time freedom:

• As the saying goes, “ time is money and money is time”. Balancing multiple responsibilities in addition to trying to close the wage gap, can mean there’s less time and space for self-care practices. According to a poll conducted by the center for economic and policy research (2016), Black women are the most likely to have multiple jobs due to instructional racism and inequality. As of 2024, little has changed for the better according research conducted by the Urban Institute.

• Cultural Beliefs:

 Some of our cultural norms discourage seeking mental health support or engaging in self-care, often viewing it as self indulgence or selfishness. In fact, the community wide conditioning that Black women have historically been subjected to, has also negatively impacted our overall health and well being. 

• The Problem with Mainstream selfcare (aka, colonized selfcare):

Mainstream selfcare is problematic on many fronts. First, at its core is both white supremacy and misogyny. Secondly, this toxic version of selfcare, discriminatory and exploitative. This version by its very nature, further exploits women by upholding the the toxic roots of the system it operates within. This colonized version of selfcare

Overcoming these barriers requires strategies that are culturally relevant:

1. Redefine Strength:
2. Accessible Self-Care Practices: simple and sustainable are key! A 15 min “cat nap”, 10 min journal/ brain dump, 15 min workout session at home, etc. are all examples of accessible Selfcare activities that require a small amount of time with no financial cost to you.
3. Time Management: Let’s keep it real. Time is one resource that’s in short supply, especially when you work multiple jobs, trying to make ends meet! So what’s a workable solution? Try “batch prioritization” of tasks and necessary work. That means doing what is immediately necessary and creating a “space” (15 mins or more), to engage in one selfcare activity.
4. Cultural Reclamation: Embrace and celebrate cultural heritage through rituals, music, returning to community gatherings, etc. reconnects us with both our past and present. Connecting with our roots gives us  a deep sense of belonging, safety and support. Mainstream selfcare, is inherently individualistic. Therefore, when Black women embrace a decolonized selfcare, it becomes not just an act of defiance but liberation for Black women when they make the decision to prioritize their needs individually and in community.

The Role of Community

Building a supportive network that is divested from the oppressive systems in which black folks exist, is crucial. Engaging with communities that understand and share similar experiences can offer validation and encouragement. Platforms like Sad Girls Club and Therapy for Black Girls provide spaces for connection and mental health support. In order to heal and thrive as Black women, it is time we normalize “closing” our practices in order to build safe spaces for us to heal, nourish and break the toxic cycles of conditioning under which many within our community, continue exist under. 

Seeking Professional Support

Even today, Black and Brown bodies are forced to deal with medical racism and despite the tremendous body of work regarding the damage it inflicts, it remains a troubling issue. Access to culturally competent mental health professionals can make a significant difference. Therapists who understand the unique challenges faced by Black women can offer personalized strategies for self-care and empowerment. Not only this, but studies have demonstrated that healthcare outcomes are significantly higher and far more successful, under the care of Black and POC healthcare providers. 

Final thoughts

Embracing self-care is a transformative act that enables Black women to reclaim their health, happiness, and power. By acknowledging and overcoming barriers, implementing effective self-care strategies, and seeking supportive communities and professional help, Black women can foster resilience and well-being in the face of systemic challenges. Ultimaetly, selfcare is liberation for Black women when we decolonize our ancient ways of healing and replenishing both ourselves, and our communities. In it, we recognize the interconnectedness of all life as well as the earth. These indigenous practices, emphasize balance, renewal, reciprocity, and rest.

Some resources and communities to help you get started

1. Community Care: (Sista Afya, Chicago area)

2.  Therapy For Black Girls: (An extensive guide and database for Black women in need of mental health services, etc.)

3. The Nap Ministry: Explores the sacred act of rest, mindfulness, etc.

4. The Healing Justice Practice Space: Offers community-based healing initiatives.