but first popular By Black Panther during the civil rights movement, famous poet and activist Audrey Lorde introduced self-care to the world as a “political act of warfare.” burst of light, Her 1988 collection of prose and essays. Practices embedded in self-care have always existed, but Lord puts a label on what it means to nurture the body and soul and why it is important to our collective liberation. outlined.
“Self-care is self-preservation, not self-satisfaction,” she wrote. Self-care, she writes, is both vital and necessary, and a revolutionary tool that enables practitioners to gain the energy to fight oppressive systems sustainably. Ms. Lorde, a queer black woman who dedicated much of her life to her civil rights movement, shared how she practiced self-care in the face of adversity after her second cancer diagnosis. I looked back on what I had used. It helped self-care become a guiding framework for people’s thinking. Anti-racist, feminist organizer.
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Since then, self-care has exploded in popularity, while it has become commoditized, becoming a buzzword used to sell products and experiences rather than tools for revolution. Herbal teas and essential oil candles are marketed as great for ‘self-care’ and become yet another way companies profit from us, often turning that concept into an overkill. prohibitively expensive again time consuming for wide access.
What does it mean to take care of yourself outside of capitalism?for Chastity CastroFor her, a spirit-driven queer fitness coach, self-care means treating your body right by nurturing your mind and soul. “Because her thoughts and emotions control her body,” she says. In some cases, self-care can be less about specific behaviors and more about a broader philosophy of how to stay in tune with your body’s needs.and Christian Rodriguez, hair rapistA traveling barber and mental health advocate, she says taking care of your body right means listening to your body.
“My body tells me what feels safe and what relaxes and rejuvenates me. very It’s clear what it wants,” she says.
While self-care is often thought of as requiring expensive treatments and products, it’s important to remember that it’s a practice, not a series of physical items. In fact, self-care doesn’t require opening your wallet at all. Whether it’s taking a walk in the sun, engaging with your senses, or getting more sleep, self-care can seem more like a small act of self-love than a purchase. If you’re looking for ways to take care of your body and mind without spending a fortune, below he’s handpicked five tips.
Maximize rest and wakefulness
In some cases, self-care can even begin before the day begins. Understanding when you have the most energy in your day and how much sleep you need to feel rested can help you plan your week. Consider your daily schedule. Are you most energized at dawn? Are you working hard in the morning? Or do you prefer afternoons and evenings to get your work done?
The same goes for sleep. Do you rest eight hours a night or do you take a nap all day instead? With the flexibility to choose, your body helps you make the right choices. Rodriguez says she practices self-care by listening to her body, getting enough sleep, and being active when she has the most energy.
“We spend a third of our day sleeping, so we should invest in rest as much as we do in our work and in our free time,” she says. This is especially important given that consistent, high-quality sleep is tied to sleep. better heart health and mental health outcomes.
of Recommended by CDC Have a consistent sleep schedule. This means going to bed at the same time every night, including weekends. Having a dark, cool and cozy bedroom can also help you get a restful sleep.Reserve a bed for sleep and sex not working from homeThis will help create a more restful environment.
Use your senses to be present in your body
In difficult times, we can rely on our ability to see, hear, smell, taste, or ground ourselves.a Looking back on 2014 Over 19,000 studies have demonstrated that mindfulness practices (including those rooted in the five senses) can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and even pain. These routines include aromatherapy, eating nourishing meals, and touching soft objects.
Castro says she likes to ground her body through her five senses in the bath. “Whether you prefer a lo-fi atmosphere and wine or deep meditation and candles, a good bath promotes a mind-body-spirit connection,” she says.
A soothing bath may include inserts such as bath bombs and various herbs, but they are not required. The important thing in the bath is how to connect the body to the body. If you don’t want to spend any money, the bubbly outfit aside, the touch of hot water alone can calm you down.
Castro’s perfect bath is made up of crystals, epsom salts, eucalyptus and lavender soaps, holy water, and flower petals. If you want to incorporate a few bath inserts to connect with your senses of smell and touch, these items don’t have to be expensive, as a bag of Epsom salts is just $5.
Soak up the sun
“There’s a reason we spend most of our waking days when the sun is out,” Castro said. “The morning sun supports well-being. It increases cortisol, which has a positive impact on your immune system, metabolism, and focus during the day.”
The sun has been proven to be beneficial for our mind and body as light helps generate our mind and body. Serotonin, Vitamin Dand melatoninall chemicals related to our emotional and physical regulation. When the sun rises or lights come on, we can see things around us. We feel physically warmer and more flexible. Our sensitivity to the sun causes seasonal changes, especially the reduction of daylight hours in winter, to be difficult for our mental health. That’s why it’s important to maximize your time outdoors in the sun through intentional practices like walking, meditating, and earthing.
“I like to ground myself through the process of earthing to maximize my awakening,” says Castro. “It’s where your feet feel the ground, the sun hits your skin, you look up and you’re still. It feels like you’re recharging your batteries for the rest of the day.”
eat with intention
Enjoying a meal is one of the most common human pastimes, so it’s no wonder it’s intrinsically tied to many self-care routines. Castro says that in addition to eating foods she loves, eating with purpose has helped her feel lighter and keep her energy up. This means knowing what foods will help give her energy.
“When it comes to diet, you want to eat fruits and vegetables first, protein second, and the last thing you don’t want to tackle is carbs,” she says. Castro, who is of Puerto Rican and African American ancestry, doesn’t give up on the delicious food he loves. But chicharrón de pollo, macaroni pie, and fried fish can make you sleepy, so I like to fill my stomach with plants before eating meat and garnishes. Eating intentionally doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods. It means understanding what makes your body feel good and acting accordingly.
“If you want to feel better, you should pay attention to the following things.” how you eat as much what You eat,” she says.
Establish a grooming routine that feels right for you
Rodriguez considers himself a barber for mankind. Cutting her hair in her intimate setting allows her to connect deeply and truly with her clients through her grooming. Since she transferred from the Marine Corps in 2018, Rodriguez has found a passion for helping others reconnect with themselves, and uses her hair as a gateway to that end.
“Intentionality is a universal energy, and when you see people intentionally working with their body hair, it shows a high level of self-respect. I know it applies to the field,” she says.
She is also very picky about the products she uses and how regularly she uses them. “I cut my hair every two weeks, keep my scalp moisturized and stimulated, and am very active in skin care,” she says. I am aware.”
Join a fun class if you want to splurge
There are many ways to treat your body right when you don’t have the money, but if you have the money to invest, why not sign up for an activity that brings you joy?
For some, this might mean dance classes. For others, it might mean spending money to knit new colorful threads. Having a hobby that you can invest in, whether it’s time or money, can take root and change your life. In addition to participating in activities you love, attending classes allows you to connect with like-minded communities. According to research It has a positive effect on our mental health.
Investing in self-care when you can, regardless of activity or service, is an act of self-love and compassion.
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