Colin Kaepernick’s selfless and historic protest of quietly taking a knee during the national anthem to represent the injustice of unarmed Black Americans being killed by police is admirable by many. Yet, somehow this equates to disrespecting the American flag and our United States military. With the narrative being changed and the entire point being missed by the people who need to understand it the most, it’s mentally exhausting for all affected by the continued injustice, especially the Black community.
Being Black in America and not knowing whether or not you’ll make it home alive, be it just because you “look suspicious” or for whatever minuscule reason, basically feels like living with PTSD.
With all of the racism, mental illnesses, diseases and trauma that inordinately impacts our community, it’s crucial that now, more than ever, we take the time out to heal. If you’re not sure where to start to begin this journey of self-care, continue reading below for a few tools to help you deal with the heavy pressures of life.
Yoga
This ancient practice has been known to positively change lives if you allow it to do so. Along with the physical benefits of yoga, there are quite a few mental benefits as well. Having a regular practice can help with developing a positive outlook on life, create calmness and mental clarity, increase body awareness and help relieve stress patterns. You absolutely don’t have to be flexible and you don’t need any fancy yoga attire to start; you simply just have to want to start.
Meditation
Meditation can definitely be a major life changer. In a good way, of course. Much like yoga, meditation can help ease chronic pain, anxiety, stress and improve cardiovascular health. In addition, it can also increase happiness and acceptance, improve concentration and increase awareness. It may be quite difficult to sit in silence at first if you’re new to the art of meditating, so it may be helpful to start your day with sitting in silence, focusing on the inhale and exhale of your breath for just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as your practice develops. It’s okay if your mind wanders, but slowly bring it back to the breath if it does. With 1,440 minutes in a day, we all are deserving of at least five minutes each morning spending time with ourselves, eliminating distractions and not worrying about crossing items off of our to-do lists. The benefits are worth it.
Journaling
Research shows that regular journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis and strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. It’s also believed that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thus reducing the impact of these stressors on your health, as well as helping you clarify your thoughts and feelings. Writing removes mental blocks, allowing you to use all of your brain to better understand yourself, others and your entire world. Additionally, scientific evidence shows that keeping a journal helps with solving problems more effectively and resolving disagreements with others. It helps to write freely – not concerning yourself with punctuation or spelling – and try not to erase what you jot down. Doing so, allows yourself the ability to experience your true feelings and thoughts, notice any patterns you may have and witness your growth over time. Take a few minutes out of your day to write whatever you want and allow yourself this time to be nonjudgmental and accepting of your thoughts.
Counseling
The initial thought of discussing your issues with a stranger may seem a bit scary at first, but talking to a professional counselor about your problems can help you more than you may think. A professional can provide an unbiased ear to not only allow you to vent, but they can help you dissect your problems, then help you solve them. Going to a counselor gives you the opportunity to manage your emotions from everyday stressors or problems and help with communicating your feelings. Your therapist can also help you with creating goals, figuring out your life’s purpose and hold you accountable with pursuing these goals when you’re not dealing with bigger obstacles in your life. Many insurance providers help cover the cost of seeing a counselor, so take advantage if you have the opportunity and try to find a counselor that you click with.
Whether you decide to start taking advantage of all these amazing self-care resources or start off slowly with just one, remember you are deserving. Take the necessary time now to use these tools that are at your finger tips to heal yourself and eventually, we can help heal each other.