Self-Care Redefined: A Journey To Balance
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and fancy face masks—which, if you follow me on Instagram you know I love those! For us women — especially Black women, taking care of ourselves means embracing all the parts of who we are. It’s about healing, growing, and creating space for our dreams, both big and small. I want to share some nontraditional self-care practices that have really helped me on my journey: therapy, focusing on our careers, nurturing our bodies with great food and movement, seeking mentorship and peer support, unplugging for a digital and sensory detox, and even decluttering our lives to let go of what no longer serves us.
Career Focus: Building Our Dreams and Breaking Barriers
Our careers aren’t just jobs; they’re a huge part of who we are. Focusing on our career growth is one way of saying, “I’m worth it.” Whether it’s going back to school, leveling up with new skills, or simply setting new professional goals, investing in our work helps us break down old barriers and build a legacy for ourselves and future generations. When we chase our career dreams, we’re not just climbing a ladder—we’re paving the way for others to follow. For me, this meant diving into career interests that I would truly love to make a living off of one day. I don’t want to just work a 9-5 everyday. I know that I want more. Caring for myself means caring about what I want out of life, in every way. I’ve been actively taking time each week to make sure I’m curating a space to dive into career goals — step by step. A little each day goes a long way and when your 9-5 is stressing you out girl, think of what is to come of the dream you have.
Decluttering & Letting Go: Making Space for New Beginnings
Sometimes, our physical spaces get as cluttered as our thoughts. Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about letting go of what weighs us down, be it old belongings, relationships, or outdated beliefs. We often carry so much on our shoulders, creating a clean, intentional space can be incredibly liberating. When we clear out what no longer serves us, we’re making room for new experiences, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of self. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, letting go is the first step to moving forward. Doing the same in relationships or expectations work just the same. Letting go mentally and emotionally makes room for you to grow into your best self. This means letting go of traumas, hurt and reminders of where people may have failed you but also times you may have failed yourself. Make room for new opportunities, experiences and people. Declutter your heart, your mind and your home.
Therapy: Unpacking Our Stories and Healing
Let’s be real—talking to someone isn’t always easy. In the Black community, it hasn’t always been respected or appreciated. People think it’s just paying someone to listen to you vent or that their degree or skillset isn’t legitimized. But therapy has been a game changer for me. It’s not just about “fixing” something or venting; it’s about creating a safe space to explore my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. For many of us, therapy means unearthing parts of our past, understanding generational trauma, and ultimately learning to love ourselves more. It’s like having a heart-to-heart with your truest friend, and sometimes, that friend is the amazing therapist who reminds us that our stories matter. It’s about being held accountable and hearing the hard truth from someone who isn’t there to be bias or judge. Therapy has allowed me to fall a part with a goal to progress and come together. It may not be the right choice for everyone but it’s worth exploring if you’re open to it.
Digital & Sensory Detox: Reclaiming Our Time and Mental Space
I’ve talked about this in a previous blog so I’ll keep it brief. In our hyper-connected world, digital overload is a silent saboteur of our peace and productivity. A digital detox isn’t merely about turning off your devices—it’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and mental space. For Black women, whose online experiences can often mirror the challenges of the real world, stepping back from the constant barrage of information can be liberating. It allows us to reconnect with our inner selves, our creativity, and the tangible beauty of the world around us.
A sensory detox might involve spending a day in nature, practicing mindful breathing, or simply immersing yourself in activities that ground you in the present moment. By disengaging from the digital noise, we create space for introspection, creativity, and the kind of deep self-connection that fuels personal growth and healing.
A Love Letter to Self Care
Embracing these nontraditional self-care practices is about more than just managing stress—it’s a call to really own our power. Our lives are full of ups and downs, wins and challenges, and when we put ourselves first—whether that’s through therapy, leveling up in our careers, taking care of our bodies, leaning on a supportive squad, or even just clearing out the clutter—we’re not only looking out for ourselves, we’re paving the way for a better tomorrow.
Think of self-care as a little act of rebellion. It’s saying “I’m here, and I deserve to shine” in a world that sometimes tells us to hold back. It’s about embracing every part of who we are and nurturing that unique, unstoppable spirit inside of us.
So, let’s make a promise to ourselves today. Let’s dive into these practices with a full heart and a clear mind. When we take care of ourselves, we’re not just getting by—we’re flourishing. And honestly, that’s the most beautiful kind of revolution there is.
Crowns High,
Bri Simoné
