HOUSTON – Did you know the annual “Black Girls Day Off” was actually created by a Houston area woman?
Meet Tomeka Casanova, the woman behind the annual Black Girls Day Off, which is celebrated every year on Oct. 11.
What is Black Girls Day Off?
It’s a day that highlights the importance of mental health and taking time off from all responsibilities to focus on selfcare that day.
During the pandemic, people were focused on their physical health but millions were also suffering with their mental health. Casanova, of Galveston, created the day in 2020 to help people—specifically Black women—focus on their mental health.
Mental health in Black community
Casanova’s background is in organic organizational psychology with a specific focus on behavioral modification. Her job is to identify behaviors that organizations can improve by way of healthcare plans, mental health and emotional well-being.
In the Black community, mental health and therapy used to be a taboo, while many Black women were operating in survival mode.
“So in 2020, we were, you know, COVID hit and health care corporations were struggling to come up with some type of mental health support,” she said. “Everything was shut down, people were virtual and I sat there and I thought about it. I was going through a very rough time and I thought I knew who they are. But not only do I need a day off, I need a day off as a Black girl, period.
She continued, “Because my day, I feel like is a little bit different than my counterpart’s. And if I need a day off for mental health, how many other Black girls need a day off or pushing through being resilient, which is a state of mind that we’re not supposed to remain in permanently, but we often find ourselves there.”
She said stress is one of the leading causes of chronic illnesses among Black women such as heart diseases, and Black women experience more aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Casanova said Black women have become conditioned on and off the clock to not complain and tend to suffer in silence.
“The outcome can be very detrimental as it relates to stress, heart disease, breast cancer, chronic illnesses,” she stated. “Stress kills when it comes to Black women, they have some of the most aggressive forms of cancer as it relates to breast cancer. And no one knows why. So, the goal of Black Girl Day Off is actually to raise awareness about mental health concerns in the African-American community, because a lot of Black women, we wear a lot of hats. We are color of strength. We haven’t gotten comfortable with the notion of asking for support. And many of us do tend to suffer in silence. I’m like, you know what? When it comes to mental health, let’s be disruptive. Let me put it out there for you so that you don’t have to ask permission. And it becomes like a national name.”
How should you celebrate Black Girl Day Off?
Casanova says she went to Austin this year to celebrate the national holiday.
“I had mimosas, I went to my favorite restaurant, we rented an Airbnb, I got my makeup done,” she said. “I just enjoy life unapologetically. That’s what I do.”
Here are some recommendations:
- Have a spa day at home or at the salon.
- Take time to rest and binge watch a new show.
- Get outdoors and take a hike or visit a beach.
- Go out to eat at your favorite restaurant with friends -- or even by yourself.
It’s the little things that count, as long as you’re doing for yourself.