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Creating A Self-Care Routine That Works For You!

I am a curvy individual, just like most black women, so creating a self-care routine that works for not only me but you also, or for women of color, is a personal journey that involves understanding what your body and mind needs.


With my unique body of being a black woman, my natural physique was not taken into account because it didn't meet the populations' BMI measurements and so one of my doctors casually told me I was obese. I was so hurt because the man standing in front of me was truly obese and for him to point the finger at me, while not have any form of tact was hurtful. Of course, I changed that doctor.


Self-care encompasses various aspects, including physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience, and spiritual fulfillment. It's about finding your balance and nurturing yourself in a way that promotes your overall well-being.


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Life today often feels like a whirlwind, with work and responsibilities frequently encroaching on our personal time. This reality underscores the importance of a self-care routine – that's no longer a luxury but a necessity. 


It is not a one-size-fits-all concept but extends beyond mere indulgence; it's a crucial practice for maintaining long-term wellness. The key challenge lies in crafting a self-care strategy that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle and resonates with your personal needs. It's about moving beyond acknowledging the importance of self-care to making it a practical and tailored part of your daily routine.

How Self-Care Looks Different For Black Women And Women of Color!

When medical researchers created the Body Mass Index for the population it only calculated the obesity of the Caucasian populations, not all the individuals that makes up the population as a whole. During that pivotal time there were no good data put together for the racial and ethnic minorities.  Now thank God there are researches on African Americans and other minorities, that says BMI measurements are not a one-size fit all.


Those facts alone are significant concerning all our health issues and that includes why we need to personalize a self-care checklist that assesses our current state of well-being.


Since the BMI formula is based on height and weight and not our ethnicity, black women may be leaner than we think, with studies proving that Black women have about 2% less body fat than white women of the same height and weight.


This means while defining white women's BMI at 30 is accurate, when it comes to a black woman’s body fat, we are not obese until our BMI reaches 32. Remember BMI charts states that a reading of 30 or higher signifies obesity.


So how do we black women and women of color that’s diagnosed with high blood pressure assess our self-care needs that’s practical, relevant, and beneficial.


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Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Start by assessing your current state of what areas of your life need more attention by asking yourself these questions:

  • How do I feel physically? (Energy levels, sleep patterns, physical ailments)
  • How is my mental state? (Stress levels, anxiety, depression)
  • What are my emotional needs? (Feeling loved, understood, valued)
  • Am I fulfilled spiritually? (Sense of purpose, connection to a higher power or values)

Identifying your needs is the first step in creating a self-care routine addressing your concerns.


Step 2: Set Realistic Goals

Once you know what you need, set realistic goals. If you're physically tired, your goal might be to improve sleep quality or increase physical activity. For mental exhaustion, you might aim to reduce stress or enhance focus.


Step 3: Choose Your Activities Wisely

Tailor your self-care activities to meet your goals. These activities could include:

  • Physical: Exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, yoga, or spa treatments
  • Mental: Meditation, reading, learning a new skill, or puzzles
  • Emotional: Journaling, therapy, socializing, or engaging in hobbies
  • Spiritual: Meditation, nature walks, or practicing gratitude, volunteering, participating in a faith community


Step 4: Make It a Habit

Consistency is vital in any routine. Schedule your self-care activities just as you would any important appointment. Start small and gradually build your routine. Even 10 minutes of meditation or a short walk can be powerful if done consistently.


Step 5: Evaluate and Adjust

Regularly evaluate your routine. What's working? What isn't? How are the activities you’re doing impacting your well-being. Adjust as needed. Remember, self-care is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might not work for another, so be flexible and willing to adapt your checklist as your needs evolve.


Step 6: Integrate Self-Care into Your Daily Life

Consistency is key in self-care. Schedule your activities just as you would any important appointment. Whether it's a weekly yoga class or daily meditation, having a set time helps establish a routine. Or turn your daily tasks into moments of mindfulness practices while cooking or listen to an audiobook during your commute. I see my daughter doing this…. listening to audiobook while cleaning up her kitchen.


Step 7: Be Kind to Yourself

This is huge - It's important to remember that creating a self-care routine that works for you is not about perfection. There will be days when your routine doesn't go as planned, and that's okay. The goal is overall wellness, not perfection.

Additional Tips In Successfully Creating A Self-Care Routine That Works For You!

  • Technology Detox: Regular breaks from digital devices can reduce stress and improve sleep.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is a simple yet effective form of self-care.

  • Seek Support: Sometimes, self-care means asking for help or seeking professional advice.

  • Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what and how you eat. Enjoy your meals without distractions.

  • Stay Active: Incorporate movement into your day, even just a short walk or stretching.

Creating a self-care routine is a personal journey. What matters most is finding what works for you and sticking with it. Taking care of yourself makes you better equipped to face life's challenges and care for others.


Effective self-care is a multifaceted and dynamic process that requires a balanced approach. It's important to inject variety into your self-care routine to keep it fresh and engaging. However, remembering to be kind to yourself; it's perfectly okay to have days when you don't adhere strictly to your self-care checklist. 


Creating a personalized self-care checklist is a dynamic and evolving process. It's about listening to your body and mind and responding with kindness and attention. As you tackle this journey, remember that this is a personal practice that looks different for everyone. What matters most is that you're taking steps to care for your well-being in the best way for you.


This approach to self-care is not about indulgence but about making conscious choices to support and enhance your health and happiness. So, start today, create that checklist, and take the first step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Creating Your One-On-One Health Coaching Journey!

diverse women. https://www.info-on-high-blood-pressure.com/creating-a-self-care-routine.html

I'm all about helping you change for the better, designing your self-care for a big change. We'll look closely at what you're feeling, and what you want to achieve. You’ll develop the tools necessary for you to make decisions for yourself, believe in your own abilities, and make changes based on what's truly important to you.


Ready to start living your best life? Let's chat and see how coaching can light up your future.


To get started, schedule our first free session to kick things off toward better health and wellness. Let’s design your health coaching journey together tailored to your unique needs and objectives.


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