You searched for self-care - Page 23 of 110 - Everyday Feminism

Illustration of a person in a faceless crowd, looking entirely overwhelmed and anxious

How does the stigma against mental illness impact you and the rest of our society? Stigmas and silencing protect a hurtful status quo, causing the most harm against those who are most in need of support. So how can you respond? Read on to learn why we must show compassion to combat stigma – and why you have to start with showing compassion to yourself.

Plus-size model Tess Munster looks seductively at the camera against a teal background

When fat and happy people get positive press, we get hope for body positivity. But scrolling down to the comments is a different story – there, you’ll find a monstrous amount of hate and criticism. So why is loving yourself so controversial? Find out with this spot-on take on how we’re all taught to feel badly about ourselves and why body love is for everyone.

Author standing in a bikini at the beach

This author debunks concerns about health, comfort, and “glorifying obesity” while she rocks a bikini and, contrary to expectation, doesn’t lose weight to do so.

This author’s date told her “Your body is too wrinkly. I like your head and your heart. But I just can’t deal with your body.” Here’s why she told him “thank you.”

The entire world convinced me over the years that my vagina was gross, dirty, and ugly. That shit stays with you. But that’s the thing about self-image and cultivating positive, awesome body-love – you have to work at it. So if you find yourself in the position of hating your vagina or if you know a young person who might, here are some suggestions to get you started on loving it instead.

The pain of being a feminist in an anti-feminist world is palpable and it stings. Online backlash is one thing. It isn’t deserved or excusable, but it’s expected. But what about when the backlash is in your real life, when it’s from friends or family? It can easily lead to resentment, frustration, and anger. So here are some ideas for self-care to deal with it.

I used to dread the day when I would no longer be attractive to men. And now that I’ve become invisible to so many, it floods me with triumph, every time, that I am finally free of something that I hadn’t recognized as confining. How absurdly, deliciously, triumphantly funny it is that I ever cared. But I am older now, and I can get so much more done this way.

I knew dying my hair turquoise would draw some attention. Why else would I dye it such a bold colour? I like being different, I like standing out, and I like being unapologetic for who I am. But I didn’t expect it would attract the disgusted looks, unwanted photographs, and sheer hostility that it did.

As parents we have a powerful influence in how our kids grow up feeling about their bodies and their relationship to food. Many of them are things we can say (or not say) that have a huge impact.

I decided not to have reconstructive surgery after cancer and am still figuring out how to navigate the world as a flat chested woman.

Sarah couldn’t even get a tampon in, much less have sex due to the pain. Then she learned that she had an annular hymen. So she decided to get a vagina widening surgery done.

A heart on a clothes line is being cut by a pair of scissors

Coping with rejection? If you’re like this reader who wrote to us, you know some straight men turn to MRAs, pick up artists, and other groups for support. Here’s why the Manosphere’s not giving the help you need.

Kids are selfish. And I’m not just saying that because I’m a jaded New York City nanny. Children, out of self-preservation instinct, only care about what benefits them. So how do we make politics matter to children? Make the lesson benefit them. Whether you’re a parent/guardian, cool family member, teacher, or caregiver like me, here are some ideas to cultivate politically-minded kids.

Person yawning at their desk

This is a really helpful way to tell burnout from a bad day. How do you cope when it all feels like too much?

It’s that time of year! Yes, the holidays have come around once again. It’s a chance to catch up with family, eat some delicious food, and show your loved ones how much you appreciate them. But there are some downsides to the holidays – especially when dealing with body shaming and relatives who aren’t very understanding. This can make the holidays hard to navigate.

While online spaces can provide access to critical relationships, they can also amplify feelings of low self-worth.

We can lay the groundwork for the children we love for good health and truly empowered living. Here, we look those aspects of protecting children that are slightly beyond the basics: the more subtle, on-going interactions that strengthen our children, influence their decision making, impact their safety, and, hopefully, contribute to a safer and saner society.

Can you spot what’s off about ads like Dove’s #choosebeautiful campaign?

A child is being carried on someone's back, stretching their arms out and smiling.

How do you teach your children about consent? You may be surprised to realize how many of your everyday interactions relate to consent. Here are some helpful tips to try.

Lots of people can relate to the frustrating search for healthcare that won’t make us uncomfortable because of who we are. Following these steps would help us all.