It’s Black Girl Day Off! Let’s Talk the Origin and How to Celebrate

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Tell a Black woman to tell a Black woman, use that PTO because it’s Black Girl Day Off, and we couldn’t be happier! In case you’re wondering, “What is that?!” We got you covered. Black Girl Day Off is a day dedicated to encouraging Black women to take a mental day off to focus on their emotional well-being. To sit with themselves and rest because…we deserve it! Now when the day became a holiday, we aren’t too sure, but this is well overdue!

Here’s what we know, according to NationalToday.com, Black Girl Day Off is observed every October 11 annually in the United States. This day is dedicated to encouraging Black women to take a mental day off to focus on their emotional well-being. Black women assign a high risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and other chronic illnesses. This day was developed to encourage Black people to get involved in their health. To overcome mental health disorders and incorrect diagnoses, it is critical to have skilled and compassionate mental health providers. The issues and traumas that disadvantaged, oppressed, and disenfranchised individuals encounter are unique, and they must be treated accordingly.

To celebrate this glorious necessary day, Black Love has partnered with our Managing Editor Yasmine Jameelah and her wellness brand Transparent Black Girl to show you JUST how to prioritize self-care, a soft life, and overall wellness today (and every day after that.)

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Ways to celebrate Black Girl Day Off

Stay in bed a little longer

Hit that snooze button and get some rest, literally! Black women are conditioned to put everyone first. Our families, spouses, jobs, children, etc. You matter just as much, rest.

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Stretch your body

There shouldn’t be a day that passes when you don’t dedicate some time to stretching your body. Studies have shown that skipping out on daily stretching can lead to joint pain, strain, and muscle damage.

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Call your Mama

Call Mama (or someone you love) and have some transparent talk! Check-in with your people and share a laugh, catch up and let them know that you love them. Community is such an important part of our wellness journey and our lives.

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Give your hair some TLC

I know, most of us don’t look forward to wash day, but our hair needs moisture, especially as the winter months come! Take that extra time and give your hair some love so that you can see it thrive this fall.

Isaline Beauty Hair Treatment Masque (Courtesy of Marche Robinson)

Take a hot girl walk

If you’re reading this and wondering what a hot girl walk is, don’t worry! A hot girl walk is essentially the Millennial way of saying go for a walk and remember how hot you are! Get out there and put your best cute athleisure outfit on a release some endorphins, all while looking and feeling good!

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Call your health insurance provider and inquire about your mental health benefits

Women experience depression at rates twice that of men. But Black women are only half as likely to seek care as White women. Often that reality is due to the long-term effects of our cultural upbringing and the belief that discussing our problems is a luxury that we can’t afford. Our lives are depending on us being mentally well, literally. Prioritize your mental health and if you don’t have a therapist, take that next step and see what your benefit options.

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Show up for a Black woman in your life

You read that right! You don’t have to be a Black woman to show up for a Black woman today. Encourage the Black women in your lives to take today off!

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To see the full Transparent Black Girl list of recommendations, check out the video below on Instagram, and be sure to follow TBG for more wellness tips!