"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." — Audre Lorde

In the midst of life, adversities, post-exhausting Fall semesters of undergrad and liquor stores that run low on Hot Cheetos and Arizonas, it is crucial to remember how important self-care is. The stress accumulated during the semester can build up in ways that, for me, have found home in my love handles and making loves to curves and muscles I'd rather be left to the squat rack, but hey, I'm only human. It's in me sleeping till 1 p.m., waking up and eating whatever I can find, aaaand probably falling back asleep again. It's in the amount of necessary time I spent literally doing nothing (There is so much bliss in this and it's so, so, so underrated. Spend some time doing nothing. You'll thank yourself later).

Stress accumulates in our muscles and creates tension in our necks, lower backs, chest, stomachs, forearms and most importantly, our minds.

While the world seems to be going a lil cray right now (nothing out of the ordinary, however, 'tis the reality of being black in Amerikkka), and that insanity can be much more than exhausting, we have to hold onto self-care as black individuals trying to prosper and simply live.

Yes, self-care is important for everyone and yes, these tips can be applicable to pretty much anyone, but the focus here is for my black people. For those who deal with micro-aggressions on college campuses and are sick and tired of it, and come home like a long-awaited exhale to sigh in slang and ebonics like being held in your mother's arms. These tips are for the macro-aggressions and the stress etched into skin like tattoos, and the self-hate and doubt that try to invade. They are a little nudge to push these thoughts further away, a step further to loving yoself, fully.

Practicing self-care with attention to my position as a Black woman has been critical to my own spiritual, intellectual, emotional and mental growth. Thinking back on the past year, especially as it comes to its close, I would not possibly choose to have spent it any other way. Despite the many frustrations included with walking the earth and being hyperaware of the negativities associated with being Black and the nuances of my heritage, I am more proud than I have ever been, and am honored to love myself in ways specific to me, and help spread that love to others.

Hopefully, these five tips for practicing Black Self-Care help you replenish whatever sacred things were lost this year as the new year starts (keep in mind some of the things lost were not losses. Let me say that again for y'all that didn't hear me: Some of the things you lost in this past year were not losses. Everyone/everything you lose is not a loss). Back to other matters:

1. Sleep

Okay, so yes, everyone needs sleep. But this isn't just regular sleep. Sleep in Black Sleeping Beauty Satin Sleep. Wrap your hair, lay down them edges, put on that bonnet/silk scarf, moisturize your skin with the cocoa butter and coconut oil of the earth and then lay your tired soul down to sleep. Do not forget the silk scarf. Edges ain't free.

2. Yoga & Meditation

Contrary to popular belief, yoga and meditation are not just for hipsters and girls who like Starbucks, Uggs and leggings. Yoga and meditation have health benefits of their own, including lowering blood pressure, easing stomach tension, increasing flexibility, increasing muscles, aiding posture, assisting with breathing and helping you get your energy in check.

10-30 minutes of yoga daily can change your entire mindset and approach to the day, whatever you have to face in the future or what you have had to face in the past.

3. Coconut Oil

It can seem like coconut oil is being exploited these days, but it's not without good reason. The stuff is essentially magic. Coconut oil is good for taking off your makeup, oil pulling (the latest addition to my hygiene routine that I love; check it out), moisturizing your hair and skin and much, much more. Plus, it is a lover of melanin. So deep condition, deep soak, add a face mask and give yourself a much needed spa day.

4. Reading

Good stuff. Nourishing stuff. Practice Black Feminism. See yourself represented. Absorb your literature. Love yourself. Love others. Bell Hooks. Toni Morrison. Maya Angelou. Audre Lorde. Alice Walker. Zora Neale Hurston. Octavia Butler. So, so many more.

5. Twerking

Yes, twerking. Dancing. Embracing your need to let go and relax. Embrace your culture. Embrace yourself. Love your body and celebrate it. Celebrate your friends' too. Just embrace the booty (no matter what size).

Much love!

P.S. Don't forget to laugh in Blackness too ;)