Coconote
AI notes
AI voice & video notes
Export note
Try for free
The Importance of Communal Self-Care
Sep 7, 2024
Self-Care: A Personal Journey and Broader Vision
Initial Thoughts on Self-Care
Traditional view of self-care: massages, pedicures, retreats.
Seen as a luxury or reward.
Life-Defining Moments
Earned doctorate in public health
.
Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease
shortly after.
Entering management consulting career while managing health issues.
Experienced uncontrolled weight gain due to medication.
Faced struggles with daily activities and pain.
Turning Point
Sought medical help after a painful experience in a hotel room.
Diagnosed with a
blood clot
in addition to kidney disease.
Realization of the need for self-care, despite holding a doctorate in public health.
Transformation of Perspective
Shift from questioning
"how hard can I push?"
to
"how can I best take care of myself?"
.
Redefined identity outside of career.
Reflected on cultural and social factors impacting health, especially for black women.
Cultural Messaging and Its Impact
Strong female role models often prioritized others' needs above their own.
Societal messages around success led to neglecting self-care:
"Work hard, play hard"
"You can sleep when you're dead"
Redefining Self-Care
Self-care is any practice that helps manage stress and promote well-being.
Developed a self-care assessment based on six categories:
Physical Self-Care
: Regular exercise and routine medical care.
Psychological Self-Care
: Daily journaling for self-reflection.
Emotional Self-Care
: Practicing self-compassion.
Spiritual Self-Care
: Connection with faith and nature.
Relational Self-Care
: Scheduled downtime with loved ones.
Professional Self-Care
: Engaging in fulfilling work and setting boundaries.
Support System
Acknowledgment of the importance of support from family, friends, and professionals.
Helped reduce stress and improve health outcomes.
Ongoing Challenges and Community Building
Continued struggles with anxiety and health issues (e.g., diagnosed with fibroids).
Actively shared experiences on social media, creating a supportive community of women.
Broader Vision for Self-Care
Critique of individual-focused self-care; advocates for a
communal approach
.
Self-care should reflect shared experiences and collective support.
Social Ecological Model of Self-Care
Multi-dimensional approach
to understanding self-care behaviors:
Individual Level
: Knowledge of health and healthy behaviors.
Interpersonal Level
: Sharing stories and providing support.
Organizational Level
: Creating a culture of self-care in workplaces.
Community Level
: Ensuring access to healthy environments.
Policy Level
: Advocating for systemic changes to reduce health disparities.
Call to Action
Develop a Personal Self-Care Plan
: Identify accessible and enjoyable self-care practices.
Engage in Broader Action
: Advocate for self-care at various levels, including writing to legislators and leading by example in the workplace.
Conclusion
Importance of prioritizing self-care for individual well-being and collective health.
Emphasis on community support in the self-care journey.
📄
Full transcript