In today's fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves struggling to prioritize our wellness amidst competing demands on our time and energy. Many Black women struggle with wearing many figurative hats, which can wear us out overtime and lead to fatigue and neglect of our personal needs.
However, taking a more intentional approach to cultivating health and wellness can positively impact our overall quality of life. Whether it's through small daily habits or more structured lifestyle changes, there are countless ways in which we can become more intentional about prioritizing our well-being.
Here are some actionable tips for becoming more intentional about incorporating wellness into your life.
Lean Toward Community Instead of Isolation
This is an aspect of wellness that isn’t spoken about frequently but one that can make all the difference in how much you feel supported and seen.
We live in a world where people are quick to cut each other off and isolate, but oftentimes that is the complete opposite of what we actually need as humans. Challenge yourself to lean toward community the next time you are feeling down or like something is missing.
This can look like calling a friend, joining a group class of some sort, or making room in your schedule to meet some other wonderful ladies at the next brunch meetup happening in or near your city!
Spend the Morning Without Your Phone
We spend a lot of time on our phones daily, consuming the lives and thoughts of others. For many of us, it is the first thing we do in the morning when we wake up. After a long night of rest, your body and mind have gotten the opportunity to reset and recharge. It’s important to take advantage of this by allowing yourself to be with your thoughts and not the ones of the world. You may even notice that you are much more focused and positive throughout the day.
Create a morning routine that works for you and is sustainable in the long run. Whether it’s skincare or drinking a cup of tea and journaling your intentions for the day, the way you start your day can determine how it will go.
Eat for Your Desired Energy Level
Food is fuel, and what you consume can impact how energetic you feel throughout the day. If you feel sluggish after your meals or snacks, consider adjusting your diet to foods rich in protein, good for digestive health, and target your other wellness goals.
The more energy you have, the better you will feel and present the best version of yourself daily.
Do the Work on the Inside in Therapy
Therapy can be a difficult topic to discuss in the Black community. While we have made tremendous progress over the years with people beginning to see the value in seeking therapy, many still believe it is pointless or not made for those of color.
However, therapy can be a rewarding journey once you find a therapist to help you grow and push you to learn more about the why behind who you are. It provides a safe and confidential space to explore difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors without fear of judgment.
Learning about yourself in this way can help you navigate this complex world and help you become more at peace within.
Have A Wind Down Period to Your Day
As a working woman, it’s easy to get caught up in your to-do list and end up carrying tasks late into the night to get everything done. Unfortunately, this is what ends up leading to poor work-life balance for a lot of people, as there is no “end” to the day.
Choose a time every day when you decide you will stop working and begin to “wind down” into the night. During this time, you will transition from working mode to relaxation and prepare to enjoy a night of rest or enjoyment.
Knowing when your day will be coming to an end allows you to create more balance in your life by separating work from your personal life.
Breathe Life Back Into Your Spirit With Words of Affirmation
We consider being kind to yourself an act of love and wellness over here! How many times do you beat yourself up because something didn’t happen the way it could have, or you don’t feel like you are where you want to be in life, leading to your mood declining?
Instead of focusing on what could have been or what could be, during your low moments, practice breathing life back into yourself by speaking positively about what you have done. Focus on the positive things, your accomplishments, the people who love you, what you have to look forward to, etc.
Affirm yourself because you have come this far. “Bad” moments do not define you; repeating positive words and phrases will help you get back to a level mindset. Before you know it, you will train yourself to go to that positive space automatically.
