Black Women, Your Self-Care Is a Necessity—Not a Luxury

There’s no sugarcoating it—the world feels heavy right now. From economic uncertainty to the ever-present demands of work, family, and community, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly in survival mode. Job security is a real concern, and in times like these, many of us instinctively tighten our budgets, cutting out anything deemed “extra.” And too often, that means self-care gets put on the back burner.

I understand. I REALLY do! I’ve been in that mindset before—that space of "I gotta make it stretch... maybe next month."And on a personal note, I watched my mother do the same—pushing her care so far past the back burner, it was behind the stove, tucked away where no one could see. Admirable? Yes—because Black Women often put themselves last. But efficient? HELL NO!

As Black Women, we have been conditioned—generation after generation—to push through, to sacrifice, to “make do.” But I want to challenge that mindset today.

Self-care is not an expense; it’s an investment. And investments, when made wisely, have returns.

Smart Self-Care: Prioritizing Yourself Without Guilt or Financial Stress

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does need to be intentional. Here are some ways to cultivate a deeply restorative self-care practice that honors your reality and your needs:

1. Embrace the "Wealth of Wellness" Mindset

Scarcity tells us there is never enough—enough money, enough time, enough energy. But abundance begins when we shift our perspective. Instead of saying, "I can't afford self-care," ask "How can I integrate self-care into my current life in a way that feels sustainable?"

This could look like swapping expensive beauty treatments for DIY rituals, redirecting a small portion of discretionary spending toward an experience that refuels you, or simply making time for self-honoring habits that don’t cost a thing.

2. Create a Personal "Rest Savings Fund"

We save for emergencies, bills, and vacations—why not for rest? Consider setting up a dedicated savings fund for wellness experiences, whether it’s a retreat, a massage, or a restorative getaway. Start small if you have to ($10 a week still adds up over time), but get into the habit of seeing rest as something worth saving for.

3. Leverage Community Care Instead of Struggling Alone

One of the biggest lies capitalism tells us is that self-care is solely an individual act. But in reality, care is a collective practice. Consider swapping childcare duties with a trusted friend to free up time for yourself, co-hosting a healing circle with your sisters, or finding community spaces (virtual or in-person) that offer nourishment without financial strain.

4. Reclaim Your Mornings (Even if Only for 10 Minutes)

Before you pick up your phone, before the day starts pulling you in every direction, claim some time for yourself. A moment of deep breathing, journaling, stretching, or simply sitting with your tea in silence can shift your entire day. This isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about building small, consistent rituals that sustain you.

5. Invest in Experiences, Not Just Things

If spending feels inevitable, shift how you invest. Instead of buying another "treat yourself" purchase that loses its meaning quickly, prioritize experiences that pour into you long-term—books that expand your mind, courses that nourish your growth, retreats that refill your spirit. These investments don’t just feel good in the moment; they transform you.

You Deserve to Be Cared For—By You

I know how easy it is to put yourself last. I know the guilt that sometimes creeps in when you even think about prioritizing your own joy. But I also know this: You cannot pour from an empty cup, and you are not meant to live in exhaustion, anxiety, or depletion.

I’m not here to tell you to spend recklessly or ignore financial realities. But I am here to remind you that scarcity is a mindset that keeps us from fully living. You are not just here to work, to serve, to grind. You are here to live, to rest, to be.

So, I encourage you—this week, this month, this year—to do something that honors you. Whether it’s setting aside a small fund for future rest, incorporating daily moments of stillness, or saying yes to a retreat that calls to you. Take up space in your own life.

Because you, my love, are always worth the investment.