Hey sis, have you heard about Black Girl Day Off? If you haven’t, let me fill you in because this day, October 11th, isn’t just a day off—it’s a movement. It’s a day that calls Black women everywhere to rest, reflect, and reclaim their peace in a world that often demands everything from us but gives so little back. And today, I want to talk about something close to my heart that ties directly into this movement: Radical Self-Care.
What is Radical Self-Care?
First, let’s get one thing straight: self-care is not selfish. Radical self-care goes deeper than a mani-pedi or a bubble bath. It’s about taking a hard look at your life and making the necessary changes to ensure your mental, emotional, and physical well-being are front and center. For Black women, radical self-care is especially important because we’re often expected to be the backbone of our families, communities, and workplaces—always holding it down, always strong. But here’s the thing: strength doesn’t mean sacrifice.
Radical self-care is about choosing yourself first—without apology. It’s about drawing boundaries where there were none, saying no without guilt, and making peace with the fact that rest is revolutionary. Let me repeat that: Rest is revolutionary. In a world that glorifies hustle culture and constantly expects us to “keep pushing,” taking a day off is a radical act of resistance.
Why We Need Radical Self-Care
As Black women, we’re more likely to experience the physical and mental impacts of stress—from heart disease to anxiety and depression. Society often celebrates our resilience while ignoring the price we pay for it. How many times have you heard, “Black women are so strong”? It’s meant to be a compliment, but behind it is the expectation that we can endure anything. That’s toxic.
Here’s the truth: we don’t always have to be strong. We don’t always have to carry everything. It’s okay to put the world down for a minute and focus on healing ourselves. Radical self-care means acknowledging that we, too, need rest, support, and space to just be.
My Radical Self-Care Journey
I’ll be honest with you: I used to be the queen of burnout. I would say yes to everything, always taking care of others while putting my needs last. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I hit a wall. I was exhausted, stressed, and on the edge of burnout, but I thought I could just keep going. Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. My body literally forced me to stop.
That’s when I realized something had to change. I started going to therapy and talking about the weight I’d been carrying. I set boundaries at work and learned to say no without feeling like I had to explain myself. It was uncomfortable at first—really uncomfortable—but it was necessary. That’s when I discovered the true power of radical self-care.
How You Can Practice Radical Self-Care
So, how do we start practicing radical self-care? Here are a few ways to reclaim your time, energy, and peace:
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Say No Without Guilt: You don’t have to say yes to everything. Your time is valuable, and it’s okay to prioritize your own needs.
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Set Boundaries: Whether it’s at work, with family, or friends, setting boundaries is crucial for protecting your mental health. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re doors with locks, and you have the key.
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Prioritize Mental Health: Therapy is for us too, sis. Taking care of your mental health is one of the most radical acts of self-love. Journaling, meditating, and simply allowing yourself to feel can be game-changers.
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Rest Without Apology: You don’t have to earn rest. You’re a human being, not a machine. Give yourself permission to take a break, even if nothing is “done.”
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Build a Support System: Radical self-care also means surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and support your journey. Find your tribe—whether that’s family, friends, or a community like InspiHer Sister Circle—people who remind you that you are enough.
Why Black Girl Day Off Matters
Black Girl Day Off is a chance for us to pause, but more importantly, it’s a reminder that we need this space every day—not just once a year. This day encourages us to break away from the pressure to always be on and instead reclaim our time for rest and joy. Because rest is part of the revolution. It’s not just about avoiding burnout; it’s about living a life where we prioritize our well-being without guilt.
So, whether you spend Black Girl Day Off lounging on the couch, hanging out with your girls, or doing some serious reflection on what you need to thrive, know that you deserve it. You deserve a life full of peace, rest, and joy—every day.
Radical self-care is not an option, it’s a necessity. As Black women, we are worthy of lives that feel good, that are filled with rest and restoration. Let this Black Girl Day Off be the start of something bigger for you. Let it be a day where you begin to make radical self-care part of your everyday life.
Take up space, sis. Rest when you need it. And remember, choosing yourself is the most radical thing you can do.
