Who Wants to Look Like What We're Going Through??? Prioritizing Self-Care

Maybe it's because I'm back in the U.S., where the political situation feels increasingly alarming, but lately, everything seems urgent. Just today, I coached a client pivoting from a career in public health, in part because the field is no longer a hospitable place to be; facilitated a strategy session for a racial justice organization trying to figure out what's next; and worked on a gathering of African women taking place in New York next month.

The one common denominator? Everyone is feeling the urgency of the hour. Many people are also feeling tired, overwhelmed, and all around done. In moments like this, neglecting ourselves can become the default. But while it may feel awkward to prioritize self-care in the midst of the polycrisis that is our current reality, it's actually essential for cultivating resilience and adaptability.

So let's commit to investing in ourselves—not out of selfishness, but because our well-being is foundational to our ability to thrive and support others. As Audre Lorde reminds us, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Besides, who among us wants to look and feel like what we're going through?

Self-Care as a Radical Act

Contrary to popular belief, self-care isn't just about spa days, champagne brunches, or luxury vacations (all of which I love). At its core, self-care is about intentionally investing in our well-being and nurturing a healthy relationship with ourselves. It's about listening to our inner voice and recognizing our evolving needs as we grow and change. And given the times we're in, self-care is one of the most powerful tools we have for building physical and emotional resilience.

Still, prioritizing self-care when life feels overwhelming can be a challenge. To make it easier, here are four practical steps you can take:

• Decide what you're not going to do. Time is precious. Identify activities that drain your energy without adding real value and let them go. Embrace the power of saying no—not just to others, but to anything that doesn't serve your well-being.

• Get adequate rest. Rest is not a luxury—it's a necessity. As Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith reminds us, we need seven types of rest: physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual. Which type have you been neglecting?

• Cultivate community. Even the "strong friend" needs support. Seek out reciprocal relationships where you feel seen, heard, and valued. And if you need deeper reflection or guidance, consider working with a therapist or coach.

• Embrace joy. When was the last time you did something purely for your own enjoyment? Laughter and playfulness aren't distractions from the work—they're essential to sustaining it. Make time for what lights you up.

Your Turn

I'm personally recommitting to deeper self-care in this season; I hope you will too. And for the record, coaching is definitely a form of self-care. If you'd like support on your journey, book a discovery call.