Six Steps Toward Manifesting Mental Wellness

Self-care begins with nurturing sound mental health, and sustaining mental health can be challenging in our multi-sensory existence. In celebration of Black History Month, we wanted to share a few ideas, practices, and resources contributing to mental health and wellness in the Black community and beyond, in hopes these spark inspiration and vigor as you move forward in your mental wellness journey.

1. Breathe! Breathing is not only essential for survival. As Black Girls Breathing reminds us, it’s also an active meditation technique used to usher stagnant energy out of the body, help acknowledge and release difficult emotions and traumas, and decrease anxiety and stress by reframing the nervous system’s response to triggers; thereby creating space for more creativity, self-trust, self-love, and the ability to be your own healer. So, deepen your inhales and lessen your stress!

2. Drink Water and Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods. Every cell and every system in our body is dependent on water and nutrients for healthy functioning; this includes systems that regulate our mood and emotions. Befittingly, Black-owned urban farm Smooth and Social Roots introduces and delivers healthy, organic foods to underserved communities in the city of Chicago to address the over-index in health disparities seen in communities of color. It’s also important to consult with your physician on specific dietary and medical needs.

3. Reflect. Reflect on where you want to be and why. Then, set goals with intention to help eliminate thoughts and habits that are not contributing to your vision. Think about investing in a planner to keep you organized and to give you a visual representation of your tasks. Black-owned business, Cloth & Paper, offers elevated planners and accessories.

4. Create Daily Practices That Bring You Joy. Find ways to integrate things you love into your life on a daily basis to help foster a positive mindset. Consider beginning your day with a positive affirmation or your favorite scripture. Following, maybe a nice home workout gives you a much-needed boost of energy in the morning. Or, perhaps it’s less physically intense, and you simply enjoy drinking morning coffee or tea while listening to your favorite R&B or Gospel song. Instead of watching mainstream nightly news right before bed, watch an inspiring movie; check out an app that promotes serenity; or, read a chapter from a peace evoking book.There are many activities and practices that can bring joy; just make sure you’re consistently engaging in them. ‍

5. Seek Community. The Black Male Yoga Initiative (BMYI) is a non-profit organization founded to support Black men of all ages to become aware, engaged and empowered in mindfulness, meditation, and yoga so that they may live lives of peace, calm and optimal health. According to their website, BMYI trained yoga teachers learn to actively lead their communities and organizations by first leading themselves. Wherever you are on your mental wellness journey, seek a community of like-minded individuals that can provide support and help you further your wellness goals.‍

6. Give Back. Look for opportunities to extend support and community to others. For example, the National Urban League seeks to bolster economic empowerment and further civil rights for underserved communities across the nation. Regardless of religious or spiritual affiliations, most might agree that life is much bigger than just us! This sentiment is captured well by Rosa Parks’ statement: “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free... so other people would be also free.”

Looking for ways your organization can be an ally to the Black community? Reach out to us directly at allyship@praytellagency.com

About BEACON: Black Employees Advocating for Change and Opportunity Now or BEACON serves as a safe space to unite, retain, and uplift the voices of Black employees at Praytell. We value fellowship, cultural programming, and elevating representation within the industry.