Coping Strategies for Youth Facing Anti-Black Racism
For youth experiencing Anti-Black racism, it can take a toll on the entire body, mind included. Having to deal with feeling defeated, insecure, sad and even angry require tons of reflection and self-care to rid oneself of these feelings. It is imperative that faculty and students alike teach, share and practice ways to heal and recover from the aforementioned feelings/thoughts. Below, you will find a list of self-care tips, as well as resources for further help.
Tips
● Get outside - Going outside not only offers fresh air, but the change of scenery can help change the thoughts in one’s mind.
● Get active - This could be in many different forms. Physical movement can help alleviate stress and relieve the body of aches and pains that come from stress.
● Talk - Talk to family, friends, peers and/or anyone that you trust to get your feelings out, rather than bottling them up. Difficult conversations can lead to new strategies for combating/handling racism.
● Advocate - Sharing resources, experiences and ways to help others is an empathetic approach and a way to find a sense of belonging at a time where one may feel like they do not belong.
● Pamper yourself - When you look good, you feel good. Long baths, change your hairstyle, do your nails, get a haircut - do whatever it is that you do to make yourself look good on the outside and feel even better on the inside.
● Me time - Unplug from the world and take time out just for yourself. Watch a movie, binge watch your favorite show, meditate, listen to music, or read a book.
For youth experiencing Anti-Black racism, it can take a toll on the entire body, mind included. Having to deal with feeling defeated, insecure, sad and even angry require tons of reflection and self-care to rid oneself of these feelings. It is imperative that faculty and students alike teach, share and practice ways to heal and recover from the aforementioned feelings/thoughts. Below, you will find a list of self-care tips, as well as resources for further help.
Tips
● Get outside - Going outside not only offers fresh air, but the change of scenery can help change the thoughts in one’s mind.
● Get active - This could be in many different forms. Physical movement can help alleviate stress and relieve the body of aches and pains that come from stress.
● Talk - Talk to family, friends, peers and/or anyone that you trust to get your feelings out, rather than bottling them up. Difficult conversations can lead to new strategies for combating/handling racism.
● Advocate - Sharing resources, experiences and ways to help others is an empathetic approach and a way to find a sense of belonging at a time where one may feel like they do not belong.
● Pamper yourself - When you look good, you feel good. Long baths, change your hairstyle, do your nails, get a haircut - do whatever it is that you do to make yourself look good on the outside and feel even better on the inside.
● Me time - Unplug from the world and take time out just for yourself. Watch a movie, binge watch your favorite show, meditate, listen to music, or read a book.
