Black women are the matriarchs of our communities. However, over time, the heaviness of our crowns weighs us down. In celebration of Black women everywhere, I am dedicating November to Black women self-care; in a series entitled:

Have you loved on yourself today?

Each week this month, I will be sharing a blog post + a series of Instagram posts that centers the holistic wellness of Black women.  We will focus on actively caring for the three pillars of our being: the mind, the body, and the spirit

This week we will be centering the following self-care practices:

- The Mind: Visualization

- The Body: Skin Care

- The Spirit: Daily Reflections

The Mind: Visualization

Visualization is defined as a cognitive tool accessing imagination to realize all aspects of an object, action, or outcome. Visualization may include recreating a mental sensory experience of sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch (Psychology Today). This technique is used to enhance the performance of athletes, actors, etc. 

The mind is powerful and limitless. Often times, we waste energy replaying the worst-case scenario. It’s time to switch it up and do something different. Visualize yourself experiencing success and see how your life shifts.

I began practicing visualization in high school. As an athlete, it was my secret weapon.  This technique was especially helpful in moments when I felt anxious and needed to counter negative self-talk and self-doubt. During my warm-up, I’d set time aside to imagine myself executing a race perfectly. Then, I’d get on the track and run the race seamlessly. 

As we think we about prioritizing our self-care, practicing visualization in moments where we feel overwhelmed, distressed, or doubtful --visualizing the highest version of yourself is critical in showing up as her.

‍The Body: Skin Care

Your skin is your largest organ. The daily care and attention you give to it is critical to your overall health. Understanding your skin is the first step into your skincare journey. You are given one body and it’s your responsibility to care for it and love on it daily.

Whether it is establishing a skincare routine, moisturizing, and exfoliating your skin from head to toe; remaining consistent is key. With that, we also need to keep in mind the role water consumption plays in our skin care. Consuming water rids the skin and body of toxins and further hydrates your skin.

As we begin to pursue holistic wellness this month, prioritizing how we care for our outer shell is key.  Especially, as we head into the colder winter months, your skin may need a little more love and attention.   

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The Spirit: Journaling

Journaling is one of the most cost-effective forms of self-care. Journaling is ideal for goal setting and self-reflection. It’s benefits include enhancing mindfulness, relieving stress, enhancing creativity, and improving moods.

Admittingly, journaling isn’t my favorite form of self-care however, it is convenient for the moments where I feel overwhelmed and need to express myself. I also find journaling helpful for jotting down my goals, manifestations, and affirmations. 

More importantly, there is no correct way to journal. Your journals are meant to be your safe haven. A space that allows for vulnerability and your mind to roam free. Our minds need healthy ways to release its thoughts. 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE WELLNESS BLOG POST EACH WEEK THIS MONTH!

XOXO,

chamXpagne

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