Keys Soulcare contributor Tomi Akitunde shares how she is bringing community and movement to routine.
– KEYS SOULCARE
If you’ve followed Keys Soulcare contributor Tomi Akitunde’s words and work (psst… check out her essay on waiting to become a mom and her Soulcare 7), you’ve already picked up on her community-first mentality. So when we asked her about the ritual she applies to her life, we weren’t surprised to learn it involved pulling friends and loved ones into the mix.
Tomi’s Ritual: Communal Movement
“I’m still figuring out how to integrate pleasure and self-care into my day. As a business owner and freelancer, I’ve been a bit addicted to the stress and anxiety that comes with being ‘busy’ all the time. So while I haven’t worked up to a daily practice, there are things that I make sure to do every week.
I’ve realized that I’m someone who needs to have an accountability partner to do most things I wouldn’t want to do on my own, and working out falls into that category.
I do some kind of exercise five to six days a week for 30 minutes with friends. I have a Peloton and it was only until the pandemic and connecting with a community that I started using it regularly. (Shout out to the Black Girl Magic Peloton Facebook group!) I ride with a friend three days a week, do yoga or barre with another friend on Sundays, and take strength classes with yet another pal two days a week. And, I also do weekly YouTube dance classes with another friend.
If you would’ve told me a few months ago I would be working out so much, I would’ve laughed at you from my couch, trying not to choke on my Flaming Hots. But I’ve found a way to do it that works for me, and has helped me make better health choices overall.”
How can you make space in your daily routine to connect with your body, and maybe others, too?