Throughout life’s journey, as women, we wear many hats: wife, mother, prominent professionals, aunt, sister, caregivers, grandmother, and community leaders. One can easily get lost in the maze of responsibilities, especially black women over 50. Historically, black women in the United States in this age group have had a legacy of neglecting their self-care needs to take care of other obligations. Unfortunately, after facing health challenges and life disappointments, they finally get the message to prioritize their self-care. But often, they’re left with questions: What exactly is self-care? How can I incorporate self-care habits into my busy schedule? Where do I start?
This blog post, “Self-Care Sunday Unleashed: Empower & Pamper for Black Women 50+,” will provide ideas, suggestions, and an easy step-by-step guide to help you start your self-care Sunday.
What is Self-Care Sunday
Self-Care Sunday is a day when one focuses solely on themselves. A day to pause, reflect, and nurture our mind, body, and soul, time to indulge in deep self-love; put the needs of others aside temporarily, or permanently (if necessary).
The Origin of the Term Self-Care Sunday
The origin of the term ” Self-Care Sunday ” has yet to be precisely discovered. However, based on research, the term became popular on social media and in the wellness community.
I can attest, as a black woman over 50, that the discussion of self-care was not a topic of conversation 10 or 20 years ago in my circle of friends and family.
Why Self-Care Is Important to Black Women 50+
According to studies, black women in the United States die from heart disease, cancer, strokes, and diabetes, at a higher rate compared to all other races. With these troubling facts, it’s vital black women, especially black women 50+, have a consistent self-care routine.
Self-Care Benefits:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved Physical and Mental health
- Better Relationships (with God, self, and others)
- Healthier skin, hair, and nails
- Creative boost
- Become more self-aware
- Better sleep/rest
Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1- Plan/Schedule Time
It’s a good idea to plan before starting. Determine when, how often during the month, and what time. After determining a date/time for your self-care Sundays, schedule a recurring event on your calendar.
Step 2 Create a Self-Care Activity List
Create a list of self-care activities you would like to include in your self-care Sunday. It could be something you always wanted to do, an activity recommended by your doctor, or you can do absolutely nothing. Whatever makes you happy, brings you joy, feeds your soul, and improves your overall wellness.
Select as few or as many activities as you want to include in your special day. Remember to keep it simple. The goal is to take care of yourself, not stress you out.
Self-Care Sunday Activity Ideas:
- Sleep In/Rest- Wake up when you want to; having a good night’s sleep has many health benefits for a woman.
- Eat A Plant-Based/Vegan Meal- Nourish your body by preparing and eating a plant-based meal. Check out Forks Over Knives or easy plant-based oil-free recipes.
- Engage in Physical Activity- Go for a walk or hike. Or play your favorite songs and dance.
- Date Yourself- Take yourself out on a date, treat yourself to a movie and dinner, visit a museum, or take a cooking class.
- Yoga & Stretching-Yoga can be beneficial in helping balance hormones, potentially easing menopausal symptoms.
- Self-Care Luxurious Bath- Treat yourself to a luxurious bath that includes essential oils, flowers, bath bombs, scented candles, etc…
- Social Media Detox-Limit or completely stop social media usage on this day.
- Mindfulness or Meditation- This can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Just Say No- Self-care also includes saying no to things or people that no longer serve you.
- Adult Coloring-Adult coloring offers many mental health benefits. I color often to help unwind, relax, and center myself. Below is a list of coloring books with images of black women that I purchased:
- Journal and Reflect – Journal on the things you are grateful for. Make a list of all the great things you love about yourself. Journaling can also help you declutter your mind, focus, and resolve issues.
As a believer in the transformative power of daily gratitude journaling, I’ve experienced its positive impact on my mental and emotional health. I invite you to explore my series of gratitude journals listed below, now available on Amazon:- Daily Gratitude Journal: 365 Grateful Moments
- Daily Gratitude Journal: A Year of Transformation for Black Women
- At-Home Facial- Treat yourself to an at-home facial. Listed below are some of my favorite skincare products
My favorite skincare products, great for mature skin:
- Tree Hut Hydrating Sugar Face Scrub– The scrub is great for aging skin. It’s cruelty-free/vegan and smells great. I’m energized immediately after applying it to my face. The scrub is very gentle but effective. My skin feels soft, clean, smooth, and renewed after use. You can review product details, read customer reviews, and purchase items from Amazon by clicking the button below.
- Burt’s Bees Micellar Coconut & Lotus Facial Towelettes 3 in – These towelettes are my favorite go-to for makeup removal. They’re incredibly soft, dermatologist-recommended, and cruelty-free. They’re great for sensitive and aging skin. You can review product details and customer reviews and purchase the item by clicking the Amazon button.
- Baimei Jade Facial/Neck Roller – I use the roller to reduce facial puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles, and as a facial massager, results are seen immediately after usage. You can learn more about the product, read other customer reviews, and purchase the item by clicking the Amazon button below.
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: This cleanser is my go-to for cleaning my face daily. Dermatologists developed this product; it’s gentle and perfect for aging skin. You can learn more about the product, read other customer reviews, and purchase it by clicking the Amazon button below.
Step 3-Prepare Your Space
Prepare your space and ensure you have all the necessary items to support your self-care activities. For example, if you plan on taking a luxurious bath, ensure you have everything you need and that your bathroom is clean and inviting.
Step 4-Schedule Spa Appointment
If you’re going to the spa, make your appointment beforehand. This will prevent you from waiting when you arrive; remember, we want this day to be stress-free.
Step 5-Tell Your Loved Ones
Inform your family members that you’ve designated Sunday as your self-care day. Communicating your self-care needs to your loved ones will help establish beneficial and healthy boundaries.
Step 6-Take Action
Now that you have a list of planned activities for your self-care Sunday, it’s time to Take Action. What good is a well-thought-out plan if it is not executed?
Step 7-Celebrate
Now that you’ve completed your self-care Sunday, celebrate yourself for prioritizing your well-being and setting a positive example of self-love and rejuvenation.
As we conclude this article, “Self-care Sundays Unleashed: Empower & Pamper for Black Women 50+,” I wish every black woman 50+ and others after reading this article feel empowered and motivated to establish a self-care Sunday or any day.
Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential to living a balanced and fulfilling life.
As previously stated, black women are dying from many chronic diseases, it’s time we start putting our self-care first.
Here’s to empowering, nurturing, loving, and pampering ourselves daily!
Share with us how you practice self-care in the comments below; you never know if your story can inspire, motivate, and help another black woman prioritize self-care.
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Studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6728668/
Disclaimer
The content on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not professional advice and should not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. RBL Wellness & Beauty LLC or I am not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or any other damages arising out of or connected in any way with the use of the information provided on this site, including recipes, advice, and tips.
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