Self-care doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all approach

Self-care has become a buzzword, but it still has power because it helps you maintain and improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Regular self-care activities can help reduce stress, boost your mood, increase energy levels, be more present in your life and relationships, and improve your overall health.

Additionally, self-care can improve your ability to cope with life's challenges and obstacles through increased resilience and an overall sense of well-being.

Moreover, self-care can also help you develop a positive relationship with yourself, leading to increased self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-confidence. This can help you better navigate life's challenges and live a more fulfilling life.

If you're working on your mental health, self-care should be a top priority. If not, ask yourself, "What's getting in my way?"

But we know that it can be challenging, especially when you're dealing with the daily stressors related to not feeling like you belong, emotional safety and systemic inequality.

Here are some tips to help make self-care a regular part of your routine, with perspectives from Black authors:

Shift your mindset: Instead of thinking of self-care as a chore, see it as an act of self-love and self-preservation. Taking care of yourself is crucial for your mental and physical health and helps you be more present in your life. In "The Comfort Book: A Guide to Self-Care for Black Women" by Dr. Ebony Janice Moore, the author stresses the importance of shifting your mindset towards self-care as a form of self-love and self-preservation.

Make self-care a priority: Set aside time each day or week for self-care activities, like journaling, taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, practicing yoga or meditation, or spending time with loved ones. According to "Self-Care Sundays: A Guide to Finding Joy, Healing, and Rest for Black Women" by Dr. Naima Brown, making self-care a priority can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being.

Get support: Surround yourself with people who support your self-care journey, like friends, family, or a therapist. A support system can help you stay accountable and provide encouragement when you need it. In "Black Girl Self-Care: A Journey to Loving Yourself" by Monique Melton, the author suggests that having a support system of friends, family, and/or a therapist can help you stay motivated and make self-care a regular part of your routine.

Try new things: Self-care doesn't have to be the same for everyone. Experiment with different activities and practices to find what works best for you. You might even discover a new hobby, like painting or cooking, that helps you relax and unwind.

Celebrate your small victories: Celebrate the wins along the way, like taking a day off work for self-care, saying no to a social event that doesn't align with your needs, or trying a new healthy recipe. These small victories can motivate you to keep prioritizing self-care.

Give yourself grace: It's okay to have off days or struggle with making self-care a priority. Remember that self-care is a journey, not a destination, and give yourself grace. In "The Black Woman's Guide to Self-Care" by Dr. Cleo Wade, the author stresses the importance of giving yourself grace and recognizing that self-care is a lifelong journey that takes time and patience.

By prioritizing self-care, you can improve your mental and physical health and be more present in all aspects of your life.

Taking care of yourself is important, and it's okay if it takes some time to get the hang of it.

Keep going, and soon it'll become a regular part of your routine.

If these are areas you're struggling with, let's see if Beloved Wellness Center Kenosha can help you make lifelong changes.