Self-Care as Community Care

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Photo of an African-American man and woman with their arms around each other's shoulders.

Self-care has become a buzzword in the mental health and wellness spaces. However, self-care is not always possible, particularly for individuals facing systemic barriers such as poverty, overwork, or marginalization. Healthline highlights the importance of interdependence and the human need for connection, as outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It suggests practical ways to incorporate community care into daily life, such as regularly checking in with others, offering specific support, and being present for those who may be overwhelmed.

Want more examples of community care? The Strategic Design Kick-off that happened in late March provides some examples on community care and healing. During the “Tides of Wisdom” Guest Panel, Nathaniel Wilson and Rosalina Mancillas spoke about how healing can happen in ExL programs with an emphasis on community.