Minaa B - Self-Care Is Rooted in Five Dimensions: Spiritual, Emotional, Social, Intellectual and Physical (Writer, Therapist & Wellness Coach from New York, USA)

Instagram - @minaa_b

Website - minaab.com

1. Tell us more about what you do and what led you to speak on this platform.

I am a writer, wellness coach and a licensed therapist. I think it's important for people to have digestible information about mental health especially those who cannot afford 1-1 therapy services. This is what drives the work that I do on social media to help reach those who need support.


2. What are your tips for people who wish to practice self care?

Self-care is rooted in five dimensions: spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and physical. It's important to make sure you are covering all of these dimensions in your life to have a holistic framework regarding how you take care of yourself. Everyone has unique needs and interests so self-care is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It can range from journaling, meditating, reading, exercising, and more.


3. How can people practice mindfulness?

People can practice mindfulness by learning to focus on the present. I think grounding techniques like focusing on your five senses can be very helpful with learning how to be more mindful because it forces you to be in the present.


4. Who is your favourite writer and why?

I'm a big fan of many authors, mainly including Ta-Nehesi Coates, Brit Bennett and Maya Angelou. Their work speaks deeply to me as a Black woman and I also find it very inspirational to be able to read stories that I can imagine myself in or relate to and have a deep understanding of my lived experiences.


5. Where does your inspiration lie?

I find inspiration in everything I do. While I'm on a walk, listening to music, having a conversation. My philosophy is that every moment is a teachable moment and that is how I find inspiration.


6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

To find your voice, own it, and speak your truth. Read books and learn more about who you are as a writer to help fuel you and further your craft.


7. What impact do you want to make in the world?

I want to be a piece of the change in this world. My hope is to help bridge people together and give them the tools to gather in the community, find their people and lean in to healing. For any person who thinks they are unworthy or not enough, I hope my words, writings and teachings show them differently.


8. Which is your favourite book and why?

As of right now it is The Vanishing Half because I love how to portray issues around colourism, internalized oppression and the struggles of navigating Blackness in this world.

- Interviewed by - Sanjana Jain