Living abroad can be exciting and fulfilling, but it can also be difficult, particularly for black expats and other people of color. Being a minority can add additional pressure to the already challenging task of adjusting to new cultures and customs while living abroad, which can be alienating.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for black minorities living abroad. Moving to a new country can be overwhelming and stressful, and it is important to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some self-care ideas to get you started:
- Exercise regularly: Whether it's going for a run or taking a yoga class, exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve your overall health and well-being. And yes the economy sucks so buy frozen fruits and veggies and make a smoothie.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night, cause the fact is most of us cant really do 8 hours.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being.
- Connect with your community and culture: As a black expat, it is important to find ways to maintain a connection to your African culture and heritage. This can include learning about traditional African practices and customs, connecting with other black expats, or seeking out African cuisine and music.
Self-care also means taking the time to prioritize your needs and set boundaries. As a black expat, you may feel pressure to assimilate to new cultures and customs, but it is important to remember that your needs and values are important too. Setting boundaries and prioritizing your needs can help you maintain a sense of identity and control in a new environment. This is usually hard when you're trying to meet new people, but setting boundaries allows you to identify people around you that truly respect you for your differences.
Don't be a YES man!
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is crucial for black expats living abroad to prioritize their mental well-being. The experience of living in a foreign country can be isolating and can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and homesickness. It is important to seek help if you are struggling with your mental health.
One way to prioritize your mental health is to practice mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being. Here is a beginner's guide to practicing mindfulness:
- Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit.
- Set a timer for 5-10 minutes.
- Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body.
- When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
- Repeat for the duration of the timer.
It is also important to seek out mental health resources specific to your experience as a black expat. Many black expats face unique challenges related to racism, discrimination, and cultural differences. Therapy for Black Girls is a directory of therapists specifically for black women.
Embracing African Culture and Traditions
As mentioned earlier, it is important to stay connected to your African culture and heritage. This can mean different things for different people, as African culture is diverse and varies from household to household. However, there are certain aspects of African culture that are universal and can be embraced by all black expats.
African cuisine is also a great way to connect with your culture. Whether you are cooking traditional dishes at home or seeking out African restaurants, food can be a powerful way to connect with your heritage. African cuisine is diverse and varies by region, but some popular dishes include:
- Jollof rice (West Africa)
- Injera and wat (Ethiopia)
- Biltong(South Africa)- My Personal favourite
- Suya (Nigeria)
In addition to dance and cuisine, there are many other ways to embrace African culture and traditions. For example, you can learn about traditional African clothing, hairstyles, and art. You can also explore African literature and film to gain a deeper understanding of your culture and history.
Other African countries with rich cultures and traditions to embrace include Zambia, Ghana, and Sudan. Zambia is known for its traditional music, dance, and art. Some popular dishes in Zambia include nshima, a kind of porridge made from maize meal, and ifisashi, a dish made with groundnuts and vegetables. Ghana is famous for its kente cloth and Adinkra symbols, which are often used in textiles and jewelry.
Some popular dishes in Ghana include fufu, a starchy dish made from cassava or yam, and jollof rice. Sudan has a rich history and culture, with traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Some popular dishes in Sudan include ful medames, a dish made from fava beans, and kisra, a type of bread made from sorghum.
The Importance of Traditional Aspects
It is important for black expats to remember and embrace the traditional aspects of African culture, especially when living in a new environment. Traditional aspects can include language, customs, and values that have been passed down through generations.
Learning and embracing traditional aspects of African culture can help black expats feel a sense of connection to their heritage and values. It can also help them navigate cultural differences and challenges in a new environment.
For example, learning a traditional African language can help black expats communicate with family members or connect with other African expats. Learning about traditional customs and values can help black expats understand and navigate cultural differences in their new environment.
The lesson
Living abroad as a black expat can be challenging, but it can also be an incredible opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Moving away from home and prioritizing self-care and mental health, embracing African culture and traditions, and approving African culture, black expats can thrive in their new environment and feel a sense of belonging wherever they go.
Remember, self-care is not selfish, and seeking help for your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are struggling, know that there are resources available to help you. By taking care of yourself, you can be the best version of yourself and make the most of your experience as a black expat abroad.
.jpg)
.png)