Happy New Year!
You may already be tired of hearing “New Year, New You!” as we start a new year.
2022 is a new year, but it may not feel completely new because we are still dealing with a pandemic.
Did you start this year still feeling stressed out and overwhelmed from last year?
It may be easier to focus on renewal and restoration this year instead of a “new” you.
Making your self care a priority is more important than ever, but Black men need radical self care
in order to thrive. The often recommended self care practices of getting a facial, manicures and pedicures, and meditating more are not adequate stress relievers for Black men.
The additional stressors of racial trauma and social injustice that are ingrained in the lives of
Black men make it necessary for them to have radical self care practices that will help them to
thrive, instead of just fighting to survive. There is also the major challenge of Black men dealing
with the pressures of being protectors but not feeling protected.
What can you do to make 2022 a year where you are actually able to thrive instead of just survive?
Here are some radical self care tips to help you thrive in 2022:
- Find your safe space.
Your family, friends and frat brothers may be a great source of support for you, but do they truly provide a safe space for you to be vulnerable? It can be challenging to receive the support you need from your family when you are the constant source of support. It is also challenging to be vulnerable with your friends if there is constant competition, or a constant pressure to appear strong. You may need to look outside of your family and friends network to find your safe space. Your safe space may be in therapy, a support group, or other supportive environments. Find the safe space you need that will allow you to be vulnerable and share your truth so you can heal.
2. Focus on achieving holistic wellness.
A popular new year goal is achieving physical fitness. But focusing only on improving your physical appearance is like having a shiny apple that is actually rotten to the core. It is not healthy because you need to heal from the inside out. Focus on improving your mental, spiritual and physical well-being to transform your life this year. What can you do to improve your mental health, spiritual health and physical health?
3. Practice Mindfulness
You may be dealing with constant distractions and challenges that disturb your peace, but practicing mindfulness will help you find peace in the storm. You can practice mindfulness through journaling, meditation, breathwork or reading a book. Create a mindfulness routine that will help you achieve inner peace.
4. Create a Radical Self Care Plan
True transformation requires more than just having a vision, or creating a vision board. You must have a plan that you can implement to create the change you desire in your life. Include your goals and self care priorities in your Radical Self Care Plan.
