Self-Care Movement: History & How to Start One

The Radical History of Self-Care

Self-care emerged as a revolutionary concept during the Civil Rights Movement when marginalized communities were denied basic healthcare. Key historical points:

• Originated as survival tactic for Black Americans facing healthcare discrimination
• Pioneered by activists like Audre Lorde who framed it as "self-preservation"
• Transformed from individual necessity to community practice

"Self-care is not self-indulgence - it's self-preservation." - Audre Lorde

Why We Need a Self-Care Movement Today

Modern society faces a mental health crisis that demands collective action:

• Rising anxiety and political stress nationwide
• Burnout epidemic across workplaces
• Stigma around mental health persists

The solution? A community-based approach to well-being that recognizes:

• Individual self-care impacts collective health
• Sustainable activism requires rest
• Systemic change begins with personal practice

How to Start a Self-Care Movement: 5 Actionable Steps

1. Destigmatize Mental Health

• Normalize conversations about mental health
• Advocate for accessible mental healthcare
• Share personal experiences to build connection

2. Share Self-Care Knowledge

• Create "communities of care" in your network
• Host regular check-ins with friends/colleagues
• Exchange practical self-care strategies

3. Establish Clear Standards

Define self-care as:

"The practice of actively protecting well-being, managing stress, and maintaining balance to prevent health crises."

• Create measurable self-care goals
• Track progress consistently
• Adjust practices as needed

4. Model Sustainable Leadership

• Avoid burnout by pacing advocacy work
• Frame activism as peaks (action) and valleys (rest)
• Demonstrate that self-care enables better leadership

5. Use Reflection Questions

Ask yourself and your team:

• How does poor self-care impact my effectiveness?
• What habits undermine my well-being?
• Who can hold me accountable to my self-care plan?
• How can I support others' self-care journeys?

Join the Growing Self-Care Movement

The modern self-care movement must:

• Be proactive rather than reactive
• Remove guilt from self-care practices
• Create cultural permission to prioritize health

Next steps:
- Start small with personal practice
- Gradually expand to community circles
- Advocate for systemic support structures

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller