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4th February 2024
02:43pm GMT
Your existence is resistance and also because it’s time to finally put yourself at the centre.
Growing up, many of us (especially if we come from family backgrounds or cultural communities that emphasise sacrifice and collective well-being) were taught to put ourselves last. We learned that love meant readiness to serve. Self-reliance meant never asking for help, and self-indulgence bordered on sin. Then the very idea of “self-care” strutted into mainstream culture complete with Instagram bath bombs and pricey essential oils. It was easy to dismiss it all as frivolous or “for those with too much time and money.” But in reality, self-care has deeper, anti-capitalist roots that empower marginalised communities to persist, resist, and heal.
In the 1960s and 70s, the Black Panther Party championed community health programs as part of their revolutionary practice. Leaders like Angela Davis and Ericka Huggins practiced meditation and yoga in prison, revealing that self-care was not a necessity. A radical act of survival. In the aftermath of trauma and grief, it is precisely this recognition that can keep us upright: caring for ourselves to care for our communities and push for structural change.
So yes, it’s okay, vital even, to occasionally centre yourself, to take that day off, to buy that sweet treat, or to shout a “no” when your boundaries say so. And if you happen to be in Dublin, here are eight meaningful self-care ideas to help you reclaim a bit of peace.
Start small, go outside, and breathe. Phoenix Park is vast, leafy, and teeming with deer that occasionally remind you to watch your step. Stroll at your own pace. Think of this as a chance to reconnect with your body, one footstep at a time. Give your mind a break from hyper-productivity.
Pro Tip: Bring a notebook or your phone’s notes app. If any swirling thoughts pop up about ways you usually put others first or that anxious email from your boss, jot them down. Name them, release them, and keep walking.
If you spent your childhood believing asking for what you want was too much, it’s time to flip the script. Find a cozy table at 3FE, Brother Hubbard, or Coffeeangel. Order your favourite treat (indulgent pastry recommended) and crack open your journal.
Why Journaling? Writing out your worries, wins, or anything in between helps process emotions that might otherwise swamp you. You don’t need fancy stationery, just be honest with yourself. Jot down your day’s joys, frustrations, or that dream from last night where a giant seagull was chasing you through Temple Bar. Let it all out, no filter required.
Sometimes, it’s about plugging into art and collective storytelling. Dublin’s theatre scene brims with energy, from big venues like the Abbey Theatre to spots like the Project Arts Centre. Grab a ticket, settle into your seat, and momentarily lose yourself in someone else’s world.
In the spirit of Angela Davis and Ericka Huggins give yourself permission to slow down and tune in. Whether you’re a “candlelit Zen” type or a “hot yoga meltdown,” Dublin’s got you covered. Look into studios like YogaHub for classes that meet you where you’re at.
Behold: the miracle of Irish seaweed. It’s high in nutrients, historically used in folk remedies, and possibly sprinkled with magic (no official proof there yet). Many Dublin spas offer seaweed wraps, and if you’re up for a mini day trip, places like VOYA Seaweed Baths in Sligo provide the full immersive soak.
Pause. Because you’ve probably spent enough time making sure everyone else is okay. It’s about time you have your main-character moment. Check out The Shelbourne Hotel or The Westbury for a multi-layered extravaganza of sweet and savoury goodness.
Sometimes the best way to re-energise yourself is by channeling your passions into community support. Dublin boasts various grassroots organizations and cultural groups that host fundraisers, volunteer events, and workshops. If you’re new to the scene, check local community boards or social media for upcoming gatherings.
We can’t talk about Dublin without mentioning music. Whether it’s a traditional Irish session at The Cobblestone or a more contemporary act at Whelan’s, let the melodies cradle your stress. Sometimes, after a heavy week, you just need to sway in a lively pub, belt out a tune (on key or not) alongside strangers, and revel.
