What Self-Care Looks Like For an HBCU Student

Redefining Self-Care in the Black Community

The traditional definition of self-care is the act of doing something to protect or enhance one's own health. In our society, self-care is often associated with activities such as bubble baths, meditation apps, or hygienic routines. While these activities may offer peace to the general population, in Black culture, self-care has a deeper, more interpersonal, and more deeply ingrained meaning. To fully understand self-care for Black individuals, we first must recognize

how spirituality, community, and music are culturally grounded sources of healing and strength.

Spirituality has been a pillar of self-care in the Black community for many decades.

Whether that Spirituality is expressed through organized religion or ancestral practices, spirituality provides meaning, comfort, and resilience. It fosters a sense of protection, moral

guidance, and inner peace. For many, prayer, scripture, and spiritual rituals are practices that anchor their well-being.

Community is another pillar of self-care. Unlike many others, the Black community tends to rely on each other for support rather than facing it alone. These support networks range from family and friends to sororities/fraternities, student organizations, and church groups, which

all play as emotional and practical lifelines. In these spaces, affirmation, understanding, and honesty are shared with each other, which provides a sense of peace.

Music serves as a powerful emotional outlet and is the final pillar of self-care. From spirituals and gospel to hip hop and R&B, music captures the struggle, pain, hustle, and joy, which allows individuals to process trauma, express resistance, and reclaim identity. For decades,

we used songs to soothe ourselves and even uplift each other.

Practical Self-Care Strategies

While self-care looks different for every community, for students, especially Black students navigating HBCU life, financial pressures, and cultural expectations, self-care must be

intentional and practical. It' s about developing long-lasting routines that put your mental, physical, emotional, and social health first without consuming an excessive amount of time, money, or effort. Here are a few practical and culturally appropriate ways to succeed in college while keeping a balance.

1. Balancing the academic workload with rest

Taking on leadership responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and schooling can be very

demanding. It's easy to become caught up in the culture & cycle, particularly when you're under pressure to perform despite structural obstacles. However, burnout is not a mark of honor,

which is why rest is mandatory. Here are some ways to find the balance:

- Creating a realistic schedule that includes not putting too much on your plate, implementing breaks, and making sure you are at least getting 8 hours of sleep.

- Using tools such as planners and reminders to avoid last-minute stress.

- Taking mental health days as needed.

- Incorporate spiritual rest, which may include journaling, meditation, or prayer.

2. Social Self-Care: Avoiding Toxic Friend Groups & Setting Boundaries

Not all social relationships are beneficial to your well-being. While college can be a period of personal development, peer pressure, and comparison, toxic relationships can impact your mental

health. Here are some ways to protect your peace in a social aspect:

- Examine your social circle. Are your friends encouraging, kind, and supportive? If not, it is okay to create distance from them.

- Protect your energy by saying no.

- Set boundaries early on in any relationship.

- Find community in fulfilling spaces.

3. Physical Self-Care on a Student Budget

Taking care of your body does not have to cost a lot. It is about being resourceful and consistent. Here are some physical care tips on a budget:

- Eating well: Utilize the Cafe or dining hall to eat smart, look for fruits, veggies, and

protein options. Buy “healthier snacks” such as granola bars, fruit cups, or trail mixes.

- Sleep enough: Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep, even if that means taking some power

naps throughout the day.

- Exercising on a budget: Use your campus gym, YouTube workout videos, or go to a

gym that has a student discount (Planet Fitness, 24-hour Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and

Gold’s Gym).

- Hydration & hygiene: Drink water regularly, create a skincare routine, and create a

mini pampering kit (these tend to include bath products, skincare products, and

comfort items).

Self-Care as a Foundation, Not a Luxury

Self-care for Black students, especially within HBCU culture, is a vital act of protecting, healing, and preservation. By embracing culturally rooted practices like spirituality, community, and music, while also implementing realistic strategies for rest, boundaries, and physical health, students can maintain a balanced college life. Practical Self-care is not always perfect, but should always be intentional. It is about listening to your body, trusting your boundaries, and creating

habits that help you not just survive college but enjoy it. Especially for students navigating unique pressures, self-care is a form of self-love.