Self-Care as Radical Resistance in Uncertain Times

by, Waller Thompson, EdD, LPC

In times of political upheaval and social tension, the concept of self-care rises beyond personal indulgence to become an act of political resistance. Black feminist writer, poet, and civil rights activist Audre Lorde put it best when she said,” Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

The Power of Radical Self-Care

The current political climate has so many people feeling anxious, exhausted, overwhelmed and uncertain. We’re bombarded with policy changes, divisive rhetoric, and big questions about the future. If you’re feeling drained, you’re definitely not alone.

For marginalized communities—immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, racial minorities, women, and those struggling financially—these pressures hit even harder, threatening their sense of safety and belonging. And let’s not forget workers dealing with layoffs, funding cuts, and constant uncertainty. It’s a lot. And it’s no surprise that all this stress shows up in our bodies—trouble sleeping, anxiety, tension, burnout.

This is why self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. When we take care of ourselves, we’re saying, “I refuse to let this break me.” We keep our minds clear, our hearts strong, and our energy up.

When we practice self-care in Lorde’s sense, we refuse to let external forces determine our wellbeing. We assert our humanity in the face of dehumanizing policies and rhetoric. We maintain our capacity to think clearly, act effectively, and build relationships so we can keep going.

When Life Feels Like a Mess

For many Americans, the past weeks have brought not just abstract concerns but concrete disruptions to daily life. Immigrant families are dealing with fear of deportation. LGBTQ+ folks and women worry about rollbacks in healthcare protections and civil rights. Government workers and students are navigating uncertainty. The list goes on.

Whether we are directly impacted or witnessing the effects on others, we find ourselves in fight/flight or freeze and we risk abandoning self-care entirely—to channel all energy into crisis response, community protection, or simple survival. Yet this is precisely when caring for ourselves becomes most crucial. When external circumstances threaten to consume us entirely, maintaining our fundamental wellbeing becomes a form of resistance against being defined solely by crisis.
This doesn’t minimize the very real challenges many face. Because the truth is, resistance isn’t sustainable if we’re running on empty. For those whose lives have been most directly impacted, even small acts of self-care can serve as powerful affirmations of dignity and worth in the face of policies that may suggest otherwise.

10 Ways to Practice Radical Self-Care

So what does self-care actually look like when things feel like a dumpster fire? It can be simple, practical, and personal. Here are some ideas:

1. Set boundaries with the news: Stay informed, but don’t let the 24/7 updates consume you.
2. Find your people: Connect with friends, community groups, or support networks that lift you up.
3. Reclaim joy: Whether it’s baking, reading, dancing, or looking at the stars—engage in activities that bring pleasure and renewal, refusing to let external circumstances rob you of moments of delight.
4. Move your body: Even small stretches, a walk outside, or a dance break can help release stress.
5. Reset your nervous system: Do a Physiologic Sigh by breathing in two short breaths through your nose and exhaling slowly and long through your mouth.
6. Practice grounding exercises: Feel your energy move down through your body all the way to your feet or go outside and stand barefoot on the grass.
7. Shake it off—literally: Shaking or bouncing (like animals do after a scare) helps release built-up stress and tension from your body.
8. Tap into something bigger: Meditation, prayer, or being in nature can awaken a sense of understanding that you’re part of something greater.
9. Express yourself: Whether it’s journaling, painting, or singing in the shower—creativity is healing.
10. Take care of physical needs: Practice good sleep hygiene, eat healthy meals and get and give plenty of hugs.

Cultural Celebration as Self-Care

As we move from Black History Month to Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember that celebrating our cultures and histories is also self-care. Honoring the contributions of marginalized communities—regardless of official recognition—is a way of saying, “We are here, we matter” and affirms our collective humanity.

The Revolutionary Potential

Let’s be honest: Taking time for self-care can feel self indulgent or strange when so much is happening, especially to others. But guilt and burnout doesn’t support anyone.

In honoring Lorde’s wisdom, we recognize that self-care and community care are intertwined. Preserving ourselves is not selfish—it’s necessary for sustainable resistance. When we attend to our own wellbeing, we show up stronger for ourselves and our communities. When we build networks of support, we make self-care easier for everyone.

In the middle of all this uncertainty, taking care of yourself is one of the most radical things you can do. By maintaining our strength, clarity, and compassion, we become more effective in creating the kind and just world we envision—one where self-care is not radical resistance but simply part of being human.

So, take a deep breath, stretch, call a friend, or dance in your kitchen. You deserve it. We all do.

And if things feel too rough and you feel talking to a professional will help, please reach out us at www.hmrwellness.com.

Stay tuned for more ideas and practical ways to keep showing up for yourself and others.