🧘🏾 Self-Care Soft Space

This section provides resources and strategies to help you take care of yourself as you navigate this important but demanding material.

Engaging in conversations about Anti-Black Racism (ABR) can be emotionally taxing, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities who have lived experiences of racism. The emotional burden stems from reliving past traumas, confronting painful truths, and grappling with the systemic nature of racism. It is essential to recognize the emotional toll these discussions can take and to acknowledge the need for managing such impacts effectively.

Practicing self-care is crucial when navigating difficult topics like ABR. This can involve mindfulness activities, deep breathing exercises, or even seeking support from peers, mentors, or mental health professionals. Self-care practices help build emotional resilience, allowing individuals to engage in these critical conversations without becoming overwhelmed. Journaling, reflecting on emotions, or simply setting boundaries when topics become too distressing can further aid in maintaining emotional well-being.

For Black dietitians and students, who may already experience ABR in their professional and personal lives, prioritizing emotional and psychological health through self-care is an essential aspect of fostering long-term sustainability and strength in their roles.

You may also find community and legal support at Black Lives Matter Canada

“Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.”- African Proverb

Start this section by evaluating your emotions. Sometimes identifying our emotions can be challenging. Engage with Plutchik’s (2003) Wheel of Emotions below to help you identify and name how you are currently feeling. At the end of the Self-Care Soft Space Chapter, there is another Wheel of Emotion that you may refer to, to see how your emotions might have shifted after engaging in self-care activities.  Permit yourself to return to these activities anytime.