Intentionally or not, stress is kicking our collective butts.

We’re working, many of us for someone else in toxic environments, running businesses, raising families, attending school, being caregivers, and more.

It’s intense out here.

▪️Did you know that more than 1 in 5 women in the United States experienced a mental health condition in the past year, such as depression or anxiety?

▪️About 1 in 16 women age 20 and older (6.2%) have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease.

▪️About 1 in 16 white women (6.1%), black women (6.5%), Latina women (6%), About 1 in 30 Asian women (3.2%)

We are all at risk, however, Black women like myself are at the greatest risk.

STRESS AFFECTS US DIFFERENTLY

As stated in an excellent article in Essence magazine, Black women have unique, continuous stressors that increase our risk for a host of chronic health issues, including high rates of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, lupus, preterm birth, and maternal morbidity.

Knowing this information makes it essential that we prioritize self-care and do so guilt-free.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, a warm bath, your favorite cocktail, a vacation from social media, just a few examples – make it happen. Self-care matters because YOU matter.

So today, I didn’t set my alarm and I slept in until 10 am.
Guilt-free.
Brewed some tea then headed to my backyard for a combo of light business work, followed by some much-needed self-care. Simply enjoying the fresh, outdoor air.

These beautiful moments, compliments of Mother Nature, are often taken for granted. But determining my own schedule, feeling no pressure to grind, are priceless blessings that I am beyond grateful for.

Have a wonderful day, do what you must to survive, but don’t forget to make YOU and your self-care a priority. Consistently.

Consider making Booked and BALANCED a goal. You serve no one from 6 ft under.

What self-care plans do you have scheduled for yourself?
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