Back in 2020, amidst a global pandemic, a pivotal election, and powerful protests, self-care became more than just pampering; it was a vital act of survival.
Scrolling through social media might give the impression that self-care is all about picture-perfect posts and scented candles. But listening to activists Angela Davis and Ericka Huggins speak on a Zoom webinar offered a deeper perspective. These two former Black Panther Party members, once incarcerated for their activism, redefined the concept for me.
Huggins shared how she requested a yoga book from her attorney because she couldn’t stretch in her cell. Her time in solitary confinement sparked a meditation practice she continues to this day. Davis, battling anxiety and depression while awaiting trial in solitary confinement, found little relief from medications until the Black Panther Party’s doctor suggested yoga. Both women found that focusing on well-being helped them transcend their incarceration.
Audre Lorde, in her book “A Burst of Light: and Other Essays,” framed self-care as an act of political warfare, declaring, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.”
By the time quarantine hit, I’d already been working from home for five years, so the transition wasn’t jarring. However, I quickly began to feel trapped. My self-care routine included working from my favorite coffee shop or bookstore – a ritual I could no longer enjoy. And in-person writing group meetings, a crucial source of community, were gone too.
That’s when my perspective shifted again: Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s about nurturing yourself so you can be healthy, creative, and accomplish everything you need and want to.
As someone who has battled anxiety, I doubled down on practices that centered my emotional and physical health: writing, reading, journaling, walking, and meditation. I began checking in with myself daily, paying attention to what my mind and body were telling me. I stayed connected with family through FaceTime, explored my cookbooks, and rediscovered my love for creating in the kitchen. I practiced self-compassion on tough days, downloaded the Calm app for better sleep, and reduced my social media time.
With the uncertainty of the pandemic looming, I expanded my understanding of self-care. It’s a deeply personal experience. As self-care has become more mainstream, its definitions have become more relatable. It’s anything that feels good and nourishing, whether relaxing, spiritual, intellectual, or physical.
Even celebrities were sharing their self-care tips! Kourtney Kardashian offered calming techniques and sexual health advice. Gwyneth Paltrow suggested learning a new instrument or language. Our fave, Lizzo, played her flute surrounded by healing crystals.
Resources like BetterHelp and Talkspace have made professional counseling more accessible and affordable, offering online chat, video, or phone sessions with licensed therapists. I found both services were covered under my insurance, too!
There’s no right or wrong way to practice self-care; it’s defined by the individual. It doesn’t require spending money or having extravagant experiences (though it can!). It’s about doing what brings you joy.
Ultimately, self-care requires a personal commitment to invest in your well-being – a choice well worth the time and effort. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s the importance of being kind to and caring for ourselves.
We all experienced change and a sense of being stuck last year, prompting us to develop our own definitions of self-care to navigate those difficult times. We also realized that self-care isn’t just for tough times; it’s about maintaining peace and focus always. It’s what we all deserve.
Archuleta Chisolm is an author, poet, blogger, and host of the FearlessINK podcast. Archuleta’s work centers Black women, mental health and wellness, and inspiring people to live their fullest potential.
