self-care
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Funny, Shady, and Everything in Between: Why Jasmyn Lawson Loves Verzuz Battles
Jasmyn Lawson has done a lot during these socially-distant times, including successfully announcing an incredible lineup of our favorite shows on Netflix that’ll keep us entertained well into winter. But when the editorial and brand manager at Netflix’s Strong Black Lead—who was also recognized on this year’s The Root 100 list—isn’t working, she’s big on…
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Healthier—and Happier—Than Ever, Mary J. Blige Embodies #QuarantineGoals for Health Magazine
Bronzed, blond, and bodied—Mary J. Blige’s grow-up has been far more than a glow up. At 49, the Grammy-winner and Golden Globe and Oscar nominee might just be her best Mary yet, so if you’re one of those folks who think “sad Mary” is the best Mary, get over it and into the golden glory…
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My Head Is a Part of My Body and My Middle Name Is Makeba
As a child, the word “crazy” bounced around every black space I called home. “Crazy” was a destination and an origin. “Crazy” was at once a pejorative and wholly emblematic of our abundance. I loved the word “crazy.” I used it a lot in my oral communication with folks I loved. I used it to…
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How 'Spoon Theory' Can Help You Monitor and Manage Your Mental Wellbeing During Turbulent Times
The news about the state of the nation’s mental health was alarming even before the traumatic events of this past week—when news cycles and social media timelines were flooded with news about racists, deadly, and un-redressed assaults on black people. On Tuesday (which, somehow, wasn’t three years ago) a Census Bureau report showed a third…
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Auntie Unfiltered: Self-Care in the Age of Coronavirus and Racism
The roof! The roof! The roof is on fire! We don’t need no water; let that mother fucker burn! Nieces and nephews, the world is quite literally on fire. As if being under quarantine due to the coronavirus wasn’t enough, we as black people have the added strain and pressure of several high-profile killings of…
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Grounded: This Black-Owned Plant Subscription Business Hopes Its Greenery Can Give Us Some Peace of Mind
If you’re lucky enough to have a bit of extra money to spend, you might be wrestling with what purchases to make. Something indulgent maybe, but not frivolous. Something comforting, but not disposable. Something that supports small businesses, or black entrepreneurs. Something you can feel good about. The founders of Grounded think they have the…
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The Glow Up and Jezebel Talk Black Hair in the Time of Coronavirus
“Never read the comments” is the conventional advice given to journalists working in social media—where everyone’s a critic, trolls run rampant, and avatars effectively function as armor. But sometimes, we just can’t help ourselves—after all, we’re humans, writing content for other humans, and even when there’s no validation to be found, constructive criticism (emphasis on…
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I Tried Trap Yoga. Trap Yoga Won
It’s not my fault. I’m a victim. Since I was a child, my musculature has been as rigid as a slightly inebriated white man trying to learn the kick-pivot part of the electric slide at his co-worker’s daughter’s wedding. To say I’m not flexible is an understatement. Although I am a card-carrying member of the…
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Rihanna's Relatable Reveal: The Bad Gal Struggles With Work-Life Balance, Too
Every time we think Rihanna has been replaced by some beautiful, unstoppable, empire-expanding cyborg, she manages to remind us that she is, in fact, human, and prone to the same real-life issues as the rest of us (except for poverty, which seems pretty firmly off the table for the richest woman in music). Case in…
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Why Calling the Cops on White People Is a Great Form of Self-Care
Yoga is cool. Exercise is fine. Sex is great. Rest is sublime. But if you really want to practice an exciting and efficient version of self-care, try calling the police on random white people. You will be refreshed, you will be fulfilled, it will complete you.