By Tonya Ladipo

How often as Black women do we ignore headaches, hunger pangs, and back aches? How often do we keep it moving regardless of how much pain we’re in?

Last week I ran into “Stephanie” who had just been released the hospital. Her mind was racing with all of the appointments and responsibilities that she needed to tend to.

You were just released from the hospital with doctor’s orders to take it easy, and you’re trying to return to the same pace that you were at before?!

Making yourself a priority can be a challenge when you’re not used to it. And how much does that hurt us, our families, and our communities? When you’re down it doesn’t just affect you, it affects everyone around you. If you don’t tend to your own needs you can’t care for others very well.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are three steps you can take to make the change.

First, put yourself on your to-do list. You have a list of responsibilities and priorities that includes everyone but you! Add yourself to the list as a reminder to care for your needs too.

Second, make time for yourself. Schedule in me-time on your calendar and set reminders for you to actually do it!

Third, start with a small activity that you can do often that recharges you. Read a book for fun, take deep breaths, go for a walk, or watch a funny show. Find something that you can do anytime or anywhere.

When we speak of self-care it’s because we have a larger vision for our community.  Can you imagine how powerful it would be for us as a community to meet our own emotional and physical needs? We can then model and teach our children how to heal when they’re wounded rather than ignore the pain.

Tonya is the fabulous founder and director of The Ladipo Group where she works with our team of therapists to ensure that you get the high-quality and effective services that you deserve. Tonya also facilitates quarterly workshops to help you live your life better.

[info_box type=”alert_box”]Caring for yourself including takes care of your finances.  I encourage all ladies who are serious about self-care to go on The Happy Finances Challenge. In 42 days you can learn to make money decisions that will lead to long-term financial happiness.  [/info_box]