The structural and institutionalized racism that Black communities continue to endure across generations makes stress and burnout a pressing issue in the community. In fact, the harmful discrimination and influence from systems of white supremacy lead Black communities to have poorer health and mental health outcomes than other racial groups. Statistically speaking, over 16% of Black-identifying individuals in America report struggling with a mental illness. It becomes very important to do Self-Care And Healing Practices.
What Does It Mean To Practice Self-Care and Healing?
Community Build Ventures defines self-care as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health and wellbeing. In light of the recent devastation of the global pandemic and the unjust murders of Black individuals in the hands of the police, integrating practices of self-care is a must for community healing and improved mental health.
4 Important Categories of Self-Care For Well-Rounded Healing
Self-care encompasses so much more than what meets the eye and can look different for everyone. Defining a self-care map with the help of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective worksheet is a great place to start. This tool allows individuals to list the self-care tactics, community support, and accountability partner necessary for optimal wellbeing.
The four facets of self-care work include:
1: Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care is essential for acknowledging, processes, and coping with negative emotions showing up in our everyday lives. Practicing emotional self-care might look like working with a therapist, attending community healing events and support groups, and practicing gratitude.
2: Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care is the process of listening to the body to recognize what it needs to feel its best. Practicing physical self-care might look like releasing tension through movement and exercise, prioritizing sleep and rest, and fueling the body with healthy foods and water.
3: Spiritual Self-Care
Spiritual self-care is when people attend to their spiritual and religious needs. This could include practicing yoga, exercising mindfulness and meditation, or integrating religious or spiritual practices into one’s routine.
4: Mental Self-Care
Mental self-care is an important tool for improving one’s psychological state and creating a clear headspace. For some, mental self-care includes taking part in joyful hobbies, setting a clear work-life balance, and taking a break from technology.
Prioritize Self-Care & Healing With ‘Get Out Of The Fire’
In addition to defining a self-care map, one of the most impactful tools for tackling burnout is the online course, “Get Out Of The Fire.”
With the core belief that community healing starts with practicing self-care, Community Build Ventures offers a life-changing online course designed to help people disrupt their stress and burnout to lead more fulfilling and peaceful lives. Whether it’s from social, familial, or societal pressures, periods of heightened stress and burnout are addressed head-on with this course.
Work With CBV To Build Thriving Communities
Implementing the above self-care tactics is the first step towards healing. Community Build Ventures helps organizations to create spaces that encourage racial equity and justice. To build an organization that prioritizes anti-racism and diverse communities, don’t hesitate to partner with Community Build Venture’s team of consultants today.
