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Self-Care for Black Women: 150 Ways to Radically Accept & Prioritize Your Mind, Body, & Soul
Prioritize your wellbeing with these 150 self-care exercises designed specifically to help Black women revitalize their outlook on life, improve their mental health, eliminate stress, and self-advocate.
Between micro- and macro-aggressions at school, at work, and everywhere in between, it’s tough to prioritize physical and mental wellness as a Black woman, especially with a constant news cycle highlighting Black trauma. Now, with The Self-Care for Black Women you’ll find more than 150 exercises that will help you radically choose to put yourself first. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, you’re working through feelings of burnout, or you need to process a microaggression, this book has everything you need to feel more at peace.
You’ll find prompts
-Map out your feelings about a microaggression
-Make a list of your safe spaces
-Detail out an entire day dedicated to your self-care
-And more!
It’s time to put yourself first and prioritize your self-care once and for all—and this book is here to help you do just that.
Between micro- and macro-aggressions at school, at work, and everywhere in between, it’s tough to prioritize physical and mental wellness as a Black woman, especially with a constant news cycle highlighting Black trauma. Now, with The Self-Care for Black Women you’ll find more than 150 exercises that will help you radically choose to put yourself first. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, you’re working through feelings of burnout, or you need to process a microaggression, this book has everything you need to feel more at peace.
You’ll find prompts
-Map out your feelings about a microaggression
-Make a list of your safe spaces
-Detail out an entire day dedicated to your self-care
-And more!
It’s time to put yourself first and prioritize your self-care once and for all—and this book is here to help you do just that.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published January 11, 2022
108 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 16, 2022
Self-Care for Black Women is a small book composed of 150 ideas for Black women to practice their self-care. The book is divided into three chapters/themes : mind, body, and soul. Each theme includes approximately fifty activities and accompanying description for self-care practice such as: take a deep breathe, follow self-help accounts on Instagram, phone a friend, play with a puppy, and plan your vacation days.
Here's what I really liked :
- This book is really cute and aesthetically pleasing
- This book centres self-care, rest, and boundaries for Black women. The introduction does a great job of unpacking what this means, why this is important, and the considerations surrounding it.
- Well written and the author does a great job of writing in a way that is relatable and connects with readers
- The description for each chapter was digestible and not too repetitive
- I was drawn to a number of creative suggestions for self-care practice that I hadn't previously considered that resonated with me
Though the book was organized by theme (mind, body, soul) the activities included in each chapter varied so significantly that it didn't feel very cohesive. For example, one activity might be Read Something Fun and the following activity would be Resist Being the Token Black Girl . Though both suggestions are technically important practices of self-care, one is more tangible and easier to directly implement. The exercises were a mix of practical activities, conceptual activities, and context-specific activities that may only apply at certain times. As a result, I struggled understanding how to effectively use this book.
Ultimately, I still highly recommend Self-Care for Black Women . It is a great resource to go to when looking for intentional ideas of self-care practice and would make a great gift for the Black women in your life.
Here's what I really liked :
- This book is really cute and aesthetically pleasing
- This book centres self-care, rest, and boundaries for Black women. The introduction does a great job of unpacking what this means, why this is important, and the considerations surrounding it.
- Well written and the author does a great job of writing in a way that is relatable and connects with readers
- The description for each chapter was digestible and not too repetitive
- I was drawn to a number of creative suggestions for self-care practice that I hadn't previously considered that resonated with me
Though the book was organized by theme (mind, body, soul) the activities included in each chapter varied so significantly that it didn't feel very cohesive. For example, one activity might be Read Something Fun and the following activity would be Resist Being the Token Black Girl . Though both suggestions are technically important practices of self-care, one is more tangible and easier to directly implement. The exercises were a mix of practical activities, conceptual activities, and context-specific activities that may only apply at certain times. As a result, I struggled understanding how to effectively use this book.
Ultimately, I still highly recommend Self-Care for Black Women . It is a great resource to go to when looking for intentional ideas of self-care practice and would make a great gift for the Black women in your life.
July 21, 2022
3-3.5 stars!! Great starter book for older teens and young adults. If you’re older and you’re someone who has already started your healing self-care journey you’re not going to find anything new here; however, I love that it written specifically with Black women in mind and offers real tangible suggestions broken up by the mind, body, and soul. I’ll definitely be recommending to my young and older therapy clients who are looking for a place to start!
December 17, 2025
This is a great book for teen girls and young black women looking to start on their self-care journey. It is practical and reads a lot like advice from a big sister or auntie.
January 24, 2025
“Self-care for black women” is a timely book meant to inform, empower, and encourage black women about self-care as well as take control of their lives by adding self-care practices to their daily lives.
The book begins with a discussion of the double burden black women face in society by being black and a woman. Due to a lack of self-care practices among block women, this leads to unnecessary stress and in some cases, death. Following the introduction, Adeeyo explains to the reader why black women must practice self care and introduces terminology such as intergenerational trauma, radical self-care (actively putting your wellness before others,) and race-based traumatic stress (your body’s response to mental and emotional damage.) By employing self-care on a daily basis, the reader will be able to having coping skills in place during stressful times.
The book is unique in that it presents 150 self-care activities specifically designed for black women by a black woman. By dividing into book into three sections: mind, body, and soul, Adeeyo aims to help the reader cultivate and renew their sense of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.
In the first section of the book on the mind, Adeeyo presents activities mean to how the reader reflect on their thoughts and feelings. While Adeeyo admits that some activities might be triggering to the reader, she provides comfort by saying that self-care requires a healthy emotional release. Activities in the mind section that were most helpful to me in part one were do nothing for twenty minutes, ignore race-related news, and focus on the present workday.
In the second section of the book on the body, Adeeyo shares with the reader that when negative emotions exist in the body too long, they can transform into physical ailments such as back pain, muscle aches, and sickness and self-care is vital to counteract these negative emotions. Activities in the body section that were most helpful to me were stretch before bed, take a bubble bath, reclaim ownership over your body, consume less sugar, and plan a self-care day.
In the third and final section of the book on the soul, Adeeyo encourages the reader to tend to their spiritual life which can include focusing on faith, the inner self or higher self. Activities in the soul section that were most helpful to me were learn your family’s history, find a mentor in your industry,date yourself, connect with black women online, and write a letter to your future self, support black-owned businesses, and correct your name’s mispronunciation.
This book is so insightful and empowering, I feel this book should be required reading for all black woman as either a introduction to self-care or for black women already practicing self-care as a way to improve already established self-care practices.
I liked the friendly and conversational tone used by Adeeyo as well as the overall layout of the book. In addition, I liked that although there were some self-care activities I’ve heard before such as take a deep breath and write in a journal, there were some activities specifically for black women such as find a black woman therapist, watch a 90’s black sitcom, and stop watching black trauma entertainment. Lastly, I appreciated Adeeyo’s continued reinforcement that the reader is expected to treat self-care as a daily process, not a one time experience.
The book begins with a discussion of the double burden black women face in society by being black and a woman. Due to a lack of self-care practices among block women, this leads to unnecessary stress and in some cases, death. Following the introduction, Adeeyo explains to the reader why black women must practice self care and introduces terminology such as intergenerational trauma, radical self-care (actively putting your wellness before others,) and race-based traumatic stress (your body’s response to mental and emotional damage.) By employing self-care on a daily basis, the reader will be able to having coping skills in place during stressful times.
The book is unique in that it presents 150 self-care activities specifically designed for black women by a black woman. By dividing into book into three sections: mind, body, and soul, Adeeyo aims to help the reader cultivate and renew their sense of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.
In the first section of the book on the mind, Adeeyo presents activities mean to how the reader reflect on their thoughts and feelings. While Adeeyo admits that some activities might be triggering to the reader, she provides comfort by saying that self-care requires a healthy emotional release. Activities in the mind section that were most helpful to me in part one were do nothing for twenty minutes, ignore race-related news, and focus on the present workday.
In the second section of the book on the body, Adeeyo shares with the reader that when negative emotions exist in the body too long, they can transform into physical ailments such as back pain, muscle aches, and sickness and self-care is vital to counteract these negative emotions. Activities in the body section that were most helpful to me were stretch before bed, take a bubble bath, reclaim ownership over your body, consume less sugar, and plan a self-care day.
In the third and final section of the book on the soul, Adeeyo encourages the reader to tend to their spiritual life which can include focusing on faith, the inner self or higher self. Activities in the soul section that were most helpful to me were learn your family’s history, find a mentor in your industry,date yourself, connect with black women online, and write a letter to your future self, support black-owned businesses, and correct your name’s mispronunciation.
This book is so insightful and empowering, I feel this book should be required reading for all black woman as either a introduction to self-care or for black women already practicing self-care as a way to improve already established self-care practices.
I liked the friendly and conversational tone used by Adeeyo as well as the overall layout of the book. In addition, I liked that although there were some self-care activities I’ve heard before such as take a deep breath and write in a journal, there were some activities specifically for black women such as find a black woman therapist, watch a 90’s black sitcom, and stop watching black trauma entertainment. Lastly, I appreciated Adeeyo’s continued reinforcement that the reader is expected to treat self-care as a daily process, not a one time experience.
May 15, 2023
Picked this up from the library to see if it would make a good gift for my colleagues. I love that it is specifically written for Black women, but decided it would be best for younger Black women. I liked how it is written in three parts: Mind (accept that multiple truths can coexist, validate yourself after experiencing misogynoir), Body (plan your vacation days, find a Black doctor) & Soul (learn your family history, correct your name mispronunciation). 3.5 stars
March 9, 2022
The suggestions were very surface level and the comfortable "hey sis!" tone was a bit over the top for me after awhile.
July 4, 2024
Spotted this in Kindle Unlimited and decided to read it. I am not the audience, self-help books can always be hit or miss, etc. but all the same I was wondering if there were any tips or tricks I might pick up.
If you're familiar with these types of books then you will know that these are often fairly straightforward: author Adeeyo selects an activity (take a walk, journal, discuss things with a safe person, etc.) and then expands a bit in brief essay about what it is, why it is important, how you can benefit, some resources if applicable, etc.
Nothing too tricky, no long explanations of why it helped her, etc. which is fine. Some people might want or need self-help style of books but that is not this book's purpose and I think that's the wiser choice. This is not meant to add to your emotional/mental/etc. load, but rather it may be a book you pick up, flip through, find an activity and read through the page or two to see if yeah, that's what you need right now.
That's pretty much all there is to it. It's a quick read, and would say it is more of a pick up and choose your own adventure rather than reading through like a "regular" book (which you can do and is how I read it). Ultimately I did appreciate that it was straight to the point, no "woo" or "New Age" or it was minimal if it was present at all.
If you want to have a handy reference or want to support the author, it's definitely worth a borrow or purchase. Would not be surprised if a reader found many of these tips can be found somewhere on the internet, either, so it really depends on your point of view.
Got this through my Kindle Unlimited which made for an easy reference, so if you're in need of some ideas for self-care, that or e-book to save a trip or wait might be best.
If you're familiar with these types of books then you will know that these are often fairly straightforward: author Adeeyo selects an activity (take a walk, journal, discuss things with a safe person, etc.) and then expands a bit in brief essay about what it is, why it is important, how you can benefit, some resources if applicable, etc.
Nothing too tricky, no long explanations of why it helped her, etc. which is fine. Some people might want or need self-help style of books but that is not this book's purpose and I think that's the wiser choice. This is not meant to add to your emotional/mental/etc. load, but rather it may be a book you pick up, flip through, find an activity and read through the page or two to see if yeah, that's what you need right now.
That's pretty much all there is to it. It's a quick read, and would say it is more of a pick up and choose your own adventure rather than reading through like a "regular" book (which you can do and is how I read it). Ultimately I did appreciate that it was straight to the point, no "woo" or "New Age" or it was minimal if it was present at all.
If you want to have a handy reference or want to support the author, it's definitely worth a borrow or purchase. Would not be surprised if a reader found many of these tips can be found somewhere on the internet, either, so it really depends on your point of view.
Got this through my Kindle Unlimited which made for an easy reference, so if you're in need of some ideas for self-care, that or e-book to save a trip or wait might be best.
January 5, 2024
Self-Care for Black Women: 150 Ways to Radically Accept & Prioritize Your Mind, Body, & Soul
by Oludara Adeeyo PUB. 01.11.2022
🔥First Library #audioBooking session of 2024. From Setting Boundaries to #greazing our scalps... She covered #RadicalSelfCaring from our #INNARDS TO OUR #OUTWARDS.... #MUSTREAD
Prioritize your wellbeing with these 150 self-care exercises designed specifically to help Black women revitalize their outlook on life, improve their mental health, eliminate stress, and self-advocate.
Between micro- and macro-aggressions at school, at work, and everywhere in between, it's tough to prioritize physical and mental wellness as a Black woman, especially with a constant news cycle highlighting Black trauma. Now, with The Self-Care for Black Women you'll find more than 150 exercises that will help you radically choose to put yourself first. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, you're working through feelings of burnout, or you need to process a microaggression, this book has everything you need to feel more at peace.
You'll find prompts like:
-Map out your feelings about a microaggression
-Make a list of your safe spaces
-Detail out an entire day dedicated to your self-care
-And more!
It's time to put yourself first and prioritize your self-care once and for all—and this book is here to help you do just that.
by Oludara Adeeyo PUB. 01.11.2022
🔥First Library #audioBooking session of 2024. From Setting Boundaries to #greazing our scalps... She covered #RadicalSelfCaring from our #INNARDS TO OUR #OUTWARDS.... #MUSTREAD
Prioritize your wellbeing with these 150 self-care exercises designed specifically to help Black women revitalize their outlook on life, improve their mental health, eliminate stress, and self-advocate.
Between micro- and macro-aggressions at school, at work, and everywhere in between, it's tough to prioritize physical and mental wellness as a Black woman, especially with a constant news cycle highlighting Black trauma. Now, with The Self-Care for Black Women you'll find more than 150 exercises that will help you radically choose to put yourself first. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, you're working through feelings of burnout, or you need to process a microaggression, this book has everything you need to feel more at peace.
You'll find prompts like:
-Map out your feelings about a microaggression
-Make a list of your safe spaces
-Detail out an entire day dedicated to your self-care
-And more!
It's time to put yourself first and prioritize your self-care once and for all—and this book is here to help you do just that.
February 1, 2023
Great book with lots of suggestions and guidance. I would definitely dip into again and have recommended it friends also. ❤️
February 14, 2024
Good little self care book 🫶🫶
March 29, 2022
Yaaass!! This book is so necessary for every black woman to read. It is an easy read and great affirmation for practices you may already have in place. Also, it is a great way to get new ideas of how you can practice radical self care.
Not every recommendation will apply to you, and that’s okay. Take from it what you will and give thought to those things that you have never considered.
I will definitely recommend and gift this book to others.
Not every recommendation will apply to you, and that’s okay. Take from it what you will and give thought to those things that you have never considered.
I will definitely recommend and gift this book to others.
May 20, 2024
My favorite Self Care Advice from this book:
1. TRAVEL SOLO- This is my favorite of all time because this is something I do all the time. It’s become a passion of mine. I hope to travel to many other states alone and enjoy myself then I’ll go to counties!
2. STOP CHASING PERFECTIONISM- I have always changed the best grades in schools. Wanted to be my best in everything. I’m embracing mistakes from now on.
3. RELEASE FEELINGS OT GUILT AROUND SELF LOVE- I made a vow to put myself first this year since I have always looked out for others my whole life. I have never been happier than I am now.
I loved the other 147 ways also they are all things we can apply properly for a better life
1. TRAVEL SOLO- This is my favorite of all time because this is something I do all the time. It’s become a passion of mine. I hope to travel to many other states alone and enjoy myself then I’ll go to counties!
2. STOP CHASING PERFECTIONISM- I have always changed the best grades in schools. Wanted to be my best in everything. I’m embracing mistakes from now on.
3. RELEASE FEELINGS OT GUILT AROUND SELF LOVE- I made a vow to put myself first this year since I have always looked out for others my whole life. I have never been happier than I am now.
I loved the other 147 ways also they are all things we can apply properly for a better life
April 29, 2022
My bestfriwnd takes such good care of me.
November 25, 2024
I absolutely loved this book.
I read it as an audiobook and I think that really helped me to be able to digest it. It was cute, short, and straight to the point.
She gives you a self care tip and tells you why/how you can implement it. From there, it’s up to you. What I also liked is that it had a variety of options to choose from. Some, I (thankfully) didn’t need while others I began to implement after reading the book.
The only thing that I didn’t love is the fact that she kept over emphasizing how these self care tips are especially needed because of all the racial trauma we experience as Black Women. At some point, it lowkey felt like an overkill. Like sis I get but I don’t wanna to feel like I’m reminded of that every 5 pages while I’m reading my self care book. But that’s just me. Still loved the book and am definitely going to purchase a physical copy that I can easily access!
Oh! And I bought her black girl self care coloring book! Love!!
I read it as an audiobook and I think that really helped me to be able to digest it. It was cute, short, and straight to the point.
She gives you a self care tip and tells you why/how you can implement it. From there, it’s up to you. What I also liked is that it had a variety of options to choose from. Some, I (thankfully) didn’t need while others I began to implement after reading the book.
The only thing that I didn’t love is the fact that she kept over emphasizing how these self care tips are especially needed because of all the racial trauma we experience as Black Women. At some point, it lowkey felt like an overkill. Like sis I get but I don’t wanna to feel like I’m reminded of that every 5 pages while I’m reading my self care book. But that’s just me. Still loved the book and am definitely going to purchase a physical copy that I can easily access!
Oh! And I bought her black girl self care coloring book! Love!!
February 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and the introduction really pulled me in as a Black woman who has had encounters of micro-aggressions. This provides context why the idea of radical self-care is important for black women. I loved that the book was broken down into 3 sections: Mind, Body and Soul. A lot of the things I have heard and used before but it was a nice reminder to get back to the things that will help you take care of myself. I was able to relate to the author being a social worker as well which also added to some of the redundancy for me of working with clients to help them take better care of themselves. It is so important to get back to practicing what you preach to others regarding self care. The Soul section was my favorite due to having the most prompts I have yet to try and plan to do in the near future.
January 6, 2025
This was an incredibly informative book that educated and empowered the reader. I was very proud of myself because if I had come across this book 5 years ago, I would not have been practicing any of the 150 ways to prioritize my self-care. However, reading this felt soo good because there were several things I have already begun practicing.
All 150 suggestions in this book were spot on. All women struggle with self-care. However black women do have unique and specific needs and traumas that were addressed in this book.
I enjoyed how this book was formatted to make the reading very easy. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a quick and easy read on self-care and practices they can incorporate into their daily life for self-improvement.
All 150 suggestions in this book were spot on. All women struggle with self-care. However black women do have unique and specific needs and traumas that were addressed in this book.
I enjoyed how this book was formatted to make the reading very easy. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a quick and easy read on self-care and practices they can incorporate into their daily life for self-improvement.
September 3, 2022
When I was beginning my journey into young adulthood this would’ve been a wonderful resource for me to introduce me to the concept of self-care. As a middle aged Black woman these are things I already do to advocate for myself and didn’t need help discovering. That doesn’t take away from the book’s validity or necessity. It just wasn’t the book for me. I think it gently presents a wealth of things for Black women to prioritize and I am glad I took the time to read it. I’ll definitely read her follow up book of affirmations that’s releasing in the near future.
December 28, 2022
One of my goals for 2022 was to work on self-care more and this book helped me to realize that I’ve been headed in the right direction. There were times when I thought that watching tv or reading for fun all day meant that I was being unproductive so I’m glad to know that that’s far from true and I was just practicing radical self-care. This book has several resources that I was unaware of but I’m interested in looking into and includes a few facts that might make your eyes widen. I would definitely recommend this book and I’m taking most- if not all- of these tips into the new year. 🥰
July 25, 2023
This book is great for encouraging self-love of our physical, mental and spiritual being. Though I was already aware of most of the exercises as a tool, there were some that were reminders of things I need to get back to working on. I especially loved the exercise about healing your Mother Wound; very much needed. I think the book is a great resource for people who are not already aware of how to exercise self care and a reminder to those who are aware but need a refresher to get back to practicing self care daily, making it the norm!
February 7, 2022
In theory, I liked this book but most of the self-care items apply to all people, male and female. Now, it is said that women bear more responsibilities and often neglect self-care more than males. This is more true with Black females so I understand the premise and the need to stop the cycle.
Here is the thing: This is a quick easy read so you can pickup and let me know your feelings about the suggestions.
Here is the thing: This is a quick easy read so you can pickup and let me know your feelings about the suggestions.
March 4, 2023
I didn’t know I needed this book until I started reading it. I read some of the prompts and at first I’m like okay I’m doing some of these things already,which is great. The book is separated in 3 parts. Mind,Body and Spirit. Oludara gives us so many ways to prioritize ourselves as Black women. Simple things like Take a deep breath, write in a journal all the way to things Become a Mentor and Let go of your personal timeline. I recommend this to every Black woman.
January 3, 2024
This is a short self help book that can be read in one sitting but you will go back to all the time. The suggestions on how Black Women can practice self-care are great. Some you can incorporate into you daily routine while others may be something you do sporadically.
The author also explains why it is important for us to have a daily self-care routine at the beginning of the book. Overall it was good informational read that I will be returning to constantly.
The author also explains why it is important for us to have a daily self-care routine at the beginning of the book. Overall it was good informational read that I will be returning to constantly.
August 15, 2022
This book is beautiful. It has so many suggestions for self-care for black women. It’s nice to read a book written by a black woman for black women. Not many people understand what I go through and not many people can tell me what I need to change in my life however this book identified with me and made it a safe place to even think about self-care
March 29, 2023
I think it's a good book for black women who struggle with self care. Granted I knew a majority of the suggestions in this book but I know plenty of women who don't. And even still there were a few in here that were new to me or reminders. Great book to give as a gift or to have. Even as a coffee table books so your guests can be inspired. Great and easy read!
May 6, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I took my time reading a few sections here and there. And I’d say that for a Black woman this is definitely required reading. It gave me some great tips to incorporate in my self-care routine. And it’s a book I purchased to be able to refer to it as needed. No spoilers but I would highly recommend this book.
January 11, 2026
Saw this on Instagram from a fellow book lover, and she recommended it as a way to remind ourselves of ‘self care’. Loved it! Pretty quick read with three parts: Mind, Body & Soul, 186 pages. Great practical tips and thoughtful suggestions and good reminders! Awesome way to start off the New Year 🎆🧘🏾♀️💜
January 7, 2023
{3.75}
This book was a collection of a bunch of affirmations & activities. Even though nothing in here is really revolutionary I love that I have all 150 in a small compact book that I can take anywhere or always go back to.
My only real con: "radical self-care" was said like 1000x. lol
This book was a collection of a bunch of affirmations & activities. Even though nothing in here is really revolutionary I love that I have all 150 in a small compact book that I can take anywhere or always go back to.
My only real con: "radical self-care" was said like 1000x. lol
March 11, 2022
A helpful manual on finding multiple ways to cope with the stressors of being a woman, black, American, parent, child, sibling, employee, boss, student, etc.
March 24, 2022
This is a really insightful book. The advice in this book is good, and I do some of the recommended routines already. This is a good self-help book.
July 10, 2022
Extremely comprehensive!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews