Black History Month is a good time to focus on self-care. Especially so for those who experience daily the toxic stress of racism and other bigotries, but for all who seek to be allies in combatting inequality and injustice. Self-care doesn’t mean self-centered or self-indulgent. For attorneys, counseling and advocating for clients can leave us mentally, physically, and emotionally depleted if we do not restore those reserves. This is why wellness in the legal community has become such a critical issue.

Likewise, anyone who is working to confront inequality and injustice must care for themselves. As the founders of the self-care app Shine put it: “fighting for the mental health of marginalized groups helps fight for their lives and rights—and it’s one of the most important ways to improve the global landscape of mental health.” Striving for personal wellness can give us the strength and perspective to strive for community wellness too!

You can find a wide range of inclusive resources for self-care at the Harvard Law School anti-racism resources page.