Though the practice of self-care is different for everyone, members of the LGBTQ+ community often face additional challenges when it comes to taking care of themselves. For many queer people, intersecting identities can lead to shame and a lack of understanding from both themselves and others. This can make it difficult to find and maintain healthy coping mechanisms.
Despite the challenges, there are plenty of ways for LGBTQ folks to prioritize their self-care. It’s important to find what works. Whether it’s going for a walk, talking to a therapist, or spending time with friends and family, find something that helps you recharge and makes you feel good.
Here we share a few different approaches for self-care. If you have other suggestions, please share them in the comments!
Self-care isn’t about spending money!
Self-care has become a neoliberal dream recently. The simple things that used to bring us joy have been replaced by impulses to spend money on products that promise to make us happy. But perhaps it’s worth reflecting on whether true happiness comes from within, and it doesn’t cost a thing.
There are so many ways to practice self-care without spending a lot of money. Take a long walk in nature, read your favourite book, stretch, or just spend time with loved ones. These are all things that will make you feel good without costing you a lot of money.
So next time you’re feeling in need of self-care, don’t reach for your wallet. Instead, think about what else could be supportive and kind.
Talk with people who nourish you
Finding people who nourish you can be difficult, but it is worth the effort. These are the people who make you feel good about yourself, who are interested in you as a person, and who are supportive of your goals and dreams.
The best place to start is with your friends and family. These are the people who know you best and who will be most likely to understand what you need. If you don’t have many close friends or family members, look for others who share your interests. These may be people you meet through work, school, or other activities.
When you find someone who seems kind and interesting, take the time to get to know them better. Spend time speaking with them, either in person or online. Ask them questions about their life and their thoughts on various topics.
“I find myself the most fulfilled when I am around people who nourish me. These are the friends and family members who are kind, interesting, and supportive. I am able to be my best self around them, and they make me feel good about myself. They are the people who I can count on when I need someone to talk to. And they are the ones who I know will always be there for me.”
Say no
Did it make you feel uncomfortable reading that sub-heading? You wouldn’t be alone!
Saying no can be difficult, but it is definitely a beneficial thing to do. It sets boundaries and shows strength. The people who care about us will understand and respect our decision if we explain to them why we are saying no.
It is important to learn how to say no because it can help us avoid getting taken advantage of. It also helps us stay true to ourselves and our values. If we always say yes, we might end up doing things we don’t really want to do or that are not good for us.
Saying no can be hard at first, but it gets easier with practice. And the more we do it, the better we’ll get at setting boundaries and standing up for ourselves.
Step outside and connect with nature
There’s something about going outside that just feels good. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or the change of scenery. Either way, spending time in nature can be really beneficial for your mental health.
Stepping away from technology and switching off from the world can be really calming. It can help you to reset and recharge, which is essential for self-care. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, taking some time to connect with nature can be really helpful in promoting a sense of calm.
Whether you go for a walk in the park, sit by a lake, or simply spend time in your backyard, spending time outside can do wonders for your state of mind. So next time you’re feeling frazzled, remember to take some time to appreciate the natural world around you.
Reconnect with the things you used to love
What brings you joy? What did you love to do as a child, before the world told you what was cool?
It might be time to reconnect with those things. Pursue the hobbies that make you happy, not the ones that look good on paper. Life is too short to waste time doing things we don’t enjoy.
Think about the things that bring you happiness and go do them. It doesn’t matter if other people think they’re lame or if they’re not “productive.” If painting, hiking, or playing video games makes you happy, then do those things. But remember, too much of anything and you’ll probably feel the impact.
Be selective about the media you consume
As an LGBTQ+ person, it’s important to be selective about the media and news you consume. With so much negativity and lack of understanding surrounding our community, it’s easy to feel shame or like we don’t belong.
But it’s essential to remember that we are not alone. Millions of people are just like us who are fighting for visibility and acceptance. And by taking care of ourselves – mentally, emotionally, and physically – we can continue to stand up against discrimination.
So take some time for yourself. Unplug from the news and social media. Spend time with loved ones or doing things that make you happy. And remember, you are not alone in this world – there is a whole community of LGBTQ people standing with you.
LGBTQ+ self-care in summary
Self-care is about being sensitive towards your needs and learning how to respond to them. It’s about taking the time to nurture yourself, both physically and emotionally. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of others. It’s a necessary part of self-preservation and it helps prevent burnout. When you make self-care a priority, you’re more likely to be happier and healthier overall.
In today’s society, we are constantly bombarded with messages about how we should look, what we should be doing, and who we should be. It can be easy to get caught up in the comparison game and try to meet everyone else’s standards instead of our own. However, self-care is about taking the time to check in with ourselves and see what we require to feel our best. It’s important to create a balance between work and play, rest and activity, so that we can recharge our batteries and be ready to face whatever comes our way. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to respond to the demands of our environment and fulfil our potential.
