Black Women Can Prioritize Self-Care and Community Post-Election
With election season just behind us, we’re moving forward, determined to embrace a new chapter, one where Black women are centering themselves, nurturing new sisterhood connections, and building up our communities. This collective shift is powerful and reflective of the boundless energy we’ve given to others for centuries. I believe that this motion is more than a moment; it’s a transformative movement that has the potential to uplift us in profound new ways.
Black women have long been the fierce defenders of democracy, upholding justice not only for ourselves but for our families and communities. Yet, as a nation decides its fate, it’s impossible to overlook its exhausting strain on our minds, bodies, and spirits. Each election brings change, but this one hit close to home. As we watched memes degrade Vice President Harris, debates question her race, and disparaging words aimed at predominantly Black cities, the message was clear: this season was deeply personal.
The virtual assaults on our communities felt amplified, especially with platforms like TikTok entering the fray. What once felt like fun, mindless scrolling has morphed into a constant stream of misinformation and attacks, all too often hitting home. As a natural protector, I debated, dispelled myths, carried the weight of every word, lost sleep, and felt a steady undercurrent of anger.
We’re strong and resilient, yet even we need to “touch the grass” and take a collective breath. This role of protector is invaluable, but it’s also exhausting. Pushing through the weight of it all has led to an unending cycle of stress, burnout, and fatigue especially since Black women are often labeled as “strong” without the acknowledgment that strength needs replenishing. It even extends into healthcare, where, as Yale Medicine’s Kayla Yup points out, racial stress accelerates our aging, caused by the unrelenting pressure we face in a race-conscious society.
So, now is the time to shift perspective. Self-care is no longer optional; it must become a way of life. With triggers on an endless cycle, we must approach wellness holistically. Our minds, our spaces, and the people around us must all feel safe, nurturing, and appreciative. Moving forward, our work lies in reclaiming and reinforcing radical self-care.
There is inspiration in maternal wellness practices, where Black women have long trusted doulas, midwives, and ancient traditions to lower stress and prioritize health. These methods are just as relevant beyond pregnancy. As someone who’s faced severe trauma and burnout, I’ve found that having a “treasure chest” of tools has been crucial, especially during election season.
Here are three tools that I turn to for peace and balance:
- Meditation
Meditation is a powerful way to ground ourselves. Transcendental meditation is my go-to—it’s simply 20 minutes of deep, focused breathing that brings a calmness no headline or debate can shake. It’s a practice of returning to ourselves, reclaiming peace, and quieting the outside noise. - Journaling
Sacred writing is the perfect release for pent-up emotions. It’s more than journaling; it’s about putting anger, fear, and frustration on paper and gaining clarity in the process. Bottling up emotions isn’t healthy, and sacred journaling provides a safe place to process and let go. - Affirmations
Our internal dialogue often becomes a reflection of the criticism and pressure we endure. Affirmations serve as gentle reminders of our value. A simple “I am” statement can counter harsh self-talk. For instance, if you struggle with perfectionism, try saying, “I am enough; my efforts are valuable and complete.” It’s a reminder of your worth and capability.
Black women are powerful, but we deserve to take off our capes sometimes. In reclaiming our peace and well-being, we ensure that we’re here to keep building the future we believe in. During this time of reflection, let us embrace self-care in a way that fortifies us, for ourselves and the movements we lead. We owe it to ourselves to stress less and live fully—because our greatest asset is our well-being.
Rest Well Queen,
Monica Wisdom
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