Don't Stress That Shhh!
Cheers to April Tribe.
Does anyone else think it’s so fly when a month starts on a Monday?
Something about it feels so good, it’s pleasing to me and my homegirls for real!
But yes happy new month, Mercury in Retrograde and first full week with a new Beyoncé album to those who celebrate.
I wanted to take todays newsletter to check in and see how we’re dealing in this new season. It’s finally spring.
The sun is lasting longer but are we feeling well?
What’s changed? What’s changing? Let’s talk in the replies! - Traye
Earlier this year I read an article in Healthline about Stress in Black Women and while it stated things I already knew, it stayed with Me a little longer as I navigate 2024 thus far.
Because we are susceptible to inequality in almost every facet of our lives, there are rarely any spaces that aren’t stress inducing? Pardon, but like ain’t that some shit? We are always in a state of stress even when we’re not trying to be. That lowkey just stressed Me out to think about. Truly though, we are often never able to walk into a space with the ease and assurance that things will be safe or go “well”. Our jobs often bring a discomfort when we have to use our voices, our healthcare systems are distrustful. The list is actually very long.
Something I’ve been thinking about lately, as it pertains to movement is how I can catch myself in the moments when this happens. What physical things I can do, say or think of to regulate my nervous system. With the help of some sites I’ve found us some tips that I’ll share below but I want to hear from YOU. What is your go to and if you don’t have one. What will you take with you moving forward?
High-Energy Activities
Aerobic exercise, or cardio, makes you more efficient at delivering oxygen to the rest of the body, helps heart health and lung function, and more. - Everyday Health
Stretching
Stretching has been shown to increase serotonin levels — i.e., the hormone that helps stabilize our mood, reduce stress, and overall makes us feel good — which causes a decrease in depression and anxiety. - Colorado State Uni. Center for Healthy aging
Biking, Boarding or Skating
Biking, skating and skate boarding or other outdoor activities provide a change of scenery and a dose of fresh air, both of which can help clear your mind, Plante says. Beautiful settings, especially in spring and fall, can lift your mood and shake up your workout routine. - Everyday Health
Kickboxing or Boxing
Overall, boxing can be a great way to improve mental health and wellbeing. Through stress reduction, increased confidence, and resilience-building, it can help individuals to feel better equipped to handle life's challenges. - Longevity Technology
Helpful Background “Noise”
Lo-Fi & Brown Noise are my first stop at regulation! They’re the most accessible in mixed company if needed or at work, my desk etc. See some of my recommendations below.
Also check out these links below…
https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/the-longterm-effects-of-chronic-stress-on-black-women/
https://bwhi.org/2022/02/23/bwhi-and-the-heart-truth-empowering-black-women-to-manage-stress-with-self-care-for-heart-health/
https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2022/december/depression-Black-women.html
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stresshealth-and-african_b_2772596