.png){kind=small}
It's 8 AM and I’m already stressed; 3 cups of coffee deep, running on just 4 hours of sleep. Sounds familiar? If so, this blog is for you.
We talked about ways to destress and protect your inner peace in our last post. If you were left wondering how to make the most of your "me time" after point five, don’t worry—today’s post is here to help. You'll leave with some fantastic recommendations and FREE resources I discovered during my own self-care journey.
Portal to the resources:
👇👇👇
Stress & Mental Health: How Are They Related?
Stress is normal. However, prolonged stress can increase the risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression. And this will bleed into other aspects of your life -- we don't want that, do we? That's why I can't stress enough the importance of addressing your stress!
How to Manage Stress & Mental Health?
Stress management is different for everyone, but one thing remains true: taking time to rest and doing things you love always helps. Whether watching a movie, making music, or diving into a good book, finding joy in these activities can significantly destress and benefit your overall well-being.
As a BIPOC woman, we're constantly in survival mode. We need self-care and time to destress more than anyone else, but we often don't realize this until it's too late.
Meditation: Finding Your Zen
When I first heard about meditation, I was skeptical. As an anxious person, sitting still for even 10 seconds seemed impossible. But these guided meditation channels have really helped me and my friends:
@GreatMeditation: They create original guided meditations with commentary that leads you into a peaceful state.
Black Girl in Om: A few of my friends recommended this meditation recording. Dedicated to black girls everywhere, this meditation encourages awareness of inner experiences, Whether you're in bed, walking to work, or in the car with your parents, join in! Observe and let go of stray thoughts without judgment.
The Perfect Nap: Tricia Hersey, aka the “Nap Bishop” & founder of The Nap Ministry, guides you through this meditation. It helps you achieve the perfect rest.
Prefer to guide yourself through meditation? Try these instead:
Meditate to the Sound of Nature: There’s something about the sound of a waterfall and birds chirping that really keeps you grounded. When I'm working, I usually pick this type of playlist -- as much as I love SZA, I don't want to be dancing around when I'm trying to get things done lol.
@ChantressSeba: Let Gemini's beautiful voice & Finn's mesmerizing instruments take you on a deep and soulful experience. Check this out:
Music: Beautiful Tunes for Your Soul
When I listen to great music, the world around me disappears. Pure peace. Does it do the same for you?
If so, here are some talented BIPOC musicians whose music you might enjoy:
Kiana Ledé: Kiana is a singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice. Her music often explores themes of self-love and healing.
Though I love her music, her fearless, authentic, and honest self is what I admire the most. Kiana has been very open about her mental health journey. She shared with The Knockturnal that she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder during COVID. Initially hesitant about the diagnosis, she eventually found comfort with a Black female therapist who helped her feel safe and validated.
UMI: By combining R&B and neo-soul influences, UMI creates music that brings peace and mindfulness.
UMI also always discusses the importance of mental health in her work, emphasizing the healing power of music and meditation. UMI told Billboard, “When we see our mental health as a form of communication and self-love, we understand that it is necessary to tend to like breathing. Nothing in life can be fully enjoyed without the container of a healthy mind. And we all deserve to feel the full vibrancy of each moment.” Each person is at a different stage on their journey with mental health, but UMI credits meditation as something that keeps her grounded through all life has to offer.
Kehlani: A Grammy-nominated artist known for her honest and heartfelt music. She rose to fame with her mixtape You Should Be Here and has since released successful albums like SweetSexySavage and It Was Good Until It Wasn't.
Kehlani has been open about her struggles with severe depression, using her experiences to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek support.
Beabadoobee: Beabadoobee is an indie artist known for her dreamy music. Her songs often explore themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and personal growth. She gained fame with her hit "Coffee" and has since released critically acclaimed albums like Fake It Flowers. Beabadoobee has spoken openly about her experiences with mental health struggles, using her music to address topics like anxiety and depression.
Mitski: An acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her emotionally raw music. Albums like Be the Cowboy and Puberty 2 have solidified her status as a powerful voice in the indie music scene.
Mitski has been open about her battles with depression and anxiety, using her music as a way to process emotions and connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Jay Som: Jay Som is an artist known for her unique blend of indie rock and dream pop. She has received critical acclaim for albums like Everybody Works and Anak Ko.
Food = Happiness
Baking & cooking are therapeutic -- they keep you focused and present in the moment.
Here are some simple recipes I absolutely LOVE:
Cloud Cake by @cooking_haru -- I mean, who doesn't love cake??? This channel has many quick and easy Korean recipes.
Custard Cream Donuts by @HidaMariCooking-- Leave the sound ON while watching. AMSR 😩 This channel features Japanese desserts and food seen in movies! How cool is that??
@emmymade -- Can't pick a specific one. Love ALL. Her recipes are all very interesting, and you don't get bored listening to her.
@kimmyskreations.1 -- Want to make some quick Thanksgiving appetizers? Or donuts & ice cream for your kids? Kimmy got you. She makes cooking (including baking a whole cake) easy. But if you're on a diet, you might want to scroll past her page.
The best stuffed salmon!! by @TheDanniRose-- "Fun, simple, homecooked recipes for the everyday person!"
Pilates & Yoga
Pilates and yoga are not only great for physical fitness but also your mental well-being. The breathing techniques and mindful movement involved can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. This industry is predominantly white, which is why it’s so important to find a safe space with instructors who are also BIPOC women. Here are some amazing instructors to check out:
@AriannaElizabeth: Start your day with a 20-minute yoga sesh with Arianna.
@BlackYogiNicoMarie: Nico here made this yoga practice video specifically for stress relief!
@JessamynStanley: Modified yoga for plus-sized bodies!
Escape by Watching Great Films
Films are a fantastic way to escape reality. Here are some WOC directors whose work you should definitely explore:
Domee Shi: A Chinese-Canadian director known for her Oscar-winning short film Bao and her work on Pixar’s Turning Red.
Nikyatu Jusu: A Sierra Leonean-American filmmaker whose work often centers on Black women's experiences. Her recent film, Nanny, took home the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2022.
Chinonye Chukwu: A Nigerian-American director and screenwriter who's made waves with her film Clemency. People love her films for the thought-provoking stories and complex characters she creates.
Kasi Lemmons: An African-American actress and director best known for her work on Eve’s Bayou and Harriet. Her films often explore themes of race, identity, and history, offering a unique perspective on the African-American experience.
Other Mental Health Resources
Sad Girl Club: Sad Girl Club is a non-profit organization focused on supporting mental health for marginalized communities, especially young women of color. They provide resources, community support, and advocacy to help individuals manage their mental health and overcome stigma.
SNIWWOC (Sister Network Inc. Women of Color): SNIWWOC is dedicated to supporting women of color through various programs and resources. They focus on mental health, wellness, and empowerment, offering support and creating spaces for women of color to connect and share their experiences.
Black Mental Health Canada Inc: Black Mental Health Canada Inc is committed to improving mental health services for Black Canadians. They work on advocacy, education, and providing resources to address mental health disparities within the Black community.
Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation: This foundation focuses on providing accessible therapy and advocacy services for the Black community in Vancouver. They aim to reduce barriers to mental health care and offer support tailored to the unique needs of Black individuals.
First Nations Health Authority: The First Nations Health Authority works to improve health services for First Nations communities in British Columbia. They provide health programs, advocate for culturally relevant care, and work towards addressing health disparities.
“You don’t have to be healing everyday. You don’t have to checking off goals everyday on a to do list. You don’t have to be hustling and ‘building’ everyday. You don’t have to push everyday. You have the right to just be. You were born to experience leisure, joy, and rest.”
quote from the talented Tricia Hersey. Couldn't have said it better myself! Remember babes, give yourself permission to slow down and savor the moments that bring you peace.
You deserve it.
Comentarios