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Learn & Unlearn: Anti-racism Resource Guide

Lesson 1: Health & Wellness

Original post on @saic.maffairs posted 11/7/2020.

What Does Self-Care Look Like in 2020?

We are in a state of worry, anxiety, and fatigue. For Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color, this is not a new or unfamiliar state. Everyday is an uphill battle to care for ourselves amidst a society to fosters insecurity, perpetuates marginalization, and invalidates lived experiences. So why does self-care matter more in 2020? Because by loving, affirming, validating, and caring for ourselves, we are opposing this cultural norm and we are prioritizing our own wellness. Now especially, self-care is vital, it is counter-culture, it is political, and it is radical.1

So what does self-care look like?
Wellness is defined as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.2

This varies from person to person but can include:

  • Taking a walk outside
  • Reading a good book
  • Writing in a journal
  • Exercising
  • Staying hydrated
  • Getting enough sleep or taking naps
  • Listen to music that makes you feel better
  • Playing an instrument
  • Drinking some tea
  • Talking to friends

Quote

"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare" - Audre Lorde

To Read

Flaxman Library Materials - Instructions to request books are available here.
I-Share Books - May take up to 5 days from request to pickup. Instructions are available here

To Research

To Listen

To Watch

To Follow

@chibirdart
@psych2go_tips
@diveinwell

To Reflect

Have you checked in with yourself today? Mentally, Physically, Emotionally? 
Have you made time to do things you enjoy doing?
Have you taken time to take a breath today

To Act

Never be afraid or feel ashamed to seek help from anyone, use your community resources is possible. 
National Queer and trans therapists of color network: https://www.nqttcn.com
Online mental health therapy for marginalized & intersectional communities: https://www.ayanatherapy.com

Sources

Works Cited

  1. SooJin Pate, “The Radical Politics of Self-Love and Self-Care,” Feminist Wire, April 30, 2014.
  2. What Is Wellness?,” Global Wellness Institute, May 14, 2019.