Trayvon Martin. Sean Bell. Philando Castile. Sandra Bland. Eric Garner. Michael Brown. Tamir Rice. These names, like the countless others before them, echo through the halls of history as reminders of the ongoing struggle against police brutality and systemic racism in the Black community. Tragically, we are still learning new names at an alarming rate, each one representing a life senselessly cut short and a family left in mourning. Each name highlights a legal system that too often fails to hold those responsible accountable, regardless of the circumstances.
Colin Kaepernick’s courageous and historic protest—kneeling during the national anthem to spotlight the injustice of unarmed Black Americans being killed by police—remains a powerful symbol of resistance. Yet, this peaceful act of protest continues to be misrepresented by many as disrespectful to the American flag or the U.S. military. This mischaracterization obscures the core message, perpetuating division instead of fostering understanding. For the Black community, and for all who fight for justice, this misrepresentation is not just frustrating—it is mentally and emotionally exhausting. The call for accountability and change feels as urgent now as ever.
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 impact our community, it’s crucial that now, more than ever, we take the time out to heal. If you’re unsure where to begin this journey of self-care, continue reading below for a few tools to help you deal with the heavy pressures of life.
This ancient practice has been known to change lives positively if you allow it to do so. Along with the physical benefits of yoga, there are quite a few mental benefits as well. Regular practice can aid in developing a positive outlook on life, create calmness and mental clarity, increase body awareness and help relieve stress patterns. You don’t have to be flexible or need fancy yoga attire to start; you simply just have to want to start.
Meditation can be a major life changer. In a good way, of course. Much like yoga, meditation can help ease chronic pain, anxiety, and stress and improve cardiovascular health. In addition, it can also increase happiness and acceptance, improve concentration, and increase awareness. It may be 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 by 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 deserve at least five minutes each morning to spend time with ourselves, eliminating distractions and not worrying about crossing items off of our to-do lists. The benefits are worth it.
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 you 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.
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 can help you dissect your problems, and then help you solve them. Going to a counselor allows you to manage your emotions from everyday stressors or problems and helps with communicating your feelings. Your therapist can also help you with creating goals, figuring out your life’s purpose, and holding you accountable for 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 slowly with just one, remember you are deserving. Take the necessary time now to use these tools that are at your fingertips to heal yourself and eventually, we can help heal each other.
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