
Celebs Are Reminding Us Of The Power Of Taking Mental Health Breaks And You Can Too

Gabby Douglas is the latest celebrity to announce that she is taking a break from social media to focus on her mental health. The 3x gold medal gymnast wrote an extensive message on social media that gave fans insight into what she’s been dealing with over the course of her journey.
“I know i don’t post a lot on social media, but i just wanted to let you guys know that i will be taking a step back from the socials to work on myself and focus on my mental health,” she began.
“My life has never been smooth or easy. I have carried a heavy weight on my back for quite some time and it has weighed me down, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so many things and people have tried to crush and break me. I no longer want to run but fight and heal. I refuse to be defeated by this weight, i refuse to be hardened by this weight. I want to feel light and happy again.”
She concluded her message by saying, “I want to be the best representation for all of you and be the best version of myself. I love you all so much and i am forever grateful for every single one of you. Your love and support does not go unnoticed. Don’t forget to take some time off for yourself.
Taking a mental health break is important as it is a way to recharge and not burn out. There are several ways to take a mental health break. See them below:
Daily Breaks
Sometimes work, family and other daily obligations can stress us out and we need a mental break. However, taking a week or even a weekend-long vacation isn’t always feasible but you can have moments to yourself. If you’re working, you can take 5-10 minutes and step away from your computer or your workstation and walk around, eat a snack, catch up with others or take in some sun rays. You can even use that time to meditate, relax or do something creative such as writing or drawing. Ten minutes later, you are recharged and ready to get back to the task at hand. Your brain and your body will thank you.
Vacation
For those who can take an extended break, don’t hesitate to use those vacation days you let stack up at your job. We have vacations for a reason. It’s okay to let your hair down and relax on a beach in the Caribbean Islands or finally go backpacking in Europe. If you can’t travel too far away, check out some cool things to do in your city or a city close by. If the mountains aren’t too far from you, try the cabin life or take skiing lessons. If you rather stay close to home, explore everything your city has to offer such as brunch places, trails, or tourist attractions.
Stepping Away from Social Media
Lastly, you can take a cue from Gabby and take a break from social media. Social media users know that while it can be used for good, there is also a downside. From online drama to falling victim to comparing your life and your body to others, social media can be a cesspool of negativity. While many of us need social media for work, personal branding, and just entertaining purposes, it is okay to take a break from it every now and then and enjoy the physical world around you.
Try going one day without using social media. If you can achieve that, then try a week next. If you’re not able to completely stop using social media, try limiting your daily use. Maybe you only regulate yourself to using social media 1-2 hours a day or you make it a habit not to get on social media before 11 a.m and after 11 p.m. Make it work for you.
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'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Celebrate International Women's Day With Wellness, Empowerment & More
International Women’s Day, celebrated on Saturday, March 8th, presents an excellent opportunity to honor and celebrate women. As March marks Women’s History Month, there are numerous chances throughout the month to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of women.
Both International Women's Day and Women's History Month serve as reminders of the progress made toward gender equality and the work still left to do.
They inspire ongoing advocacy for women's rights, fostering discussions on issues such as workplace discrimination, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. By celebrating women's contributions and amplifying their voices, these observances help pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here are four ways to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month.
Attend a Women History Month Event
This month, there are numerous events happening, particularly for International Women’s Day. One such event is organized by Media Girls Network, which will be held over a multi-day period starting on Thursday. The entire event is dedicated to celebrating women.
On Friday, the organization will honor prominent women in business and entertainment, including the OMG Girlz, celebrity restauranteur Gocha Hawkins, and more.
On Saturday, guests can indulge in a day of wellness and self-care, featuring a fitness class, massages, a journaling workshop, and other activities. For more information about these events, visit www.mediagirlsontour.com.
Support a Woman-Owned Business
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Reports indicate that women constitute 39.1% of business owners, and this percentage is steadily rising. In light of this, let’s celebrate and support women-owned businesses this month.
Here are a few ways to do so: shop at their establishments, leave positive reviews, follow and engage with them on social media, collaborate with them, or contribute to their crowdfunding efforts.
Support Women's Rights Groups
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Since President Trump took office, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of rights being reversed, including DEI programs. Women have been particularly concerned about his decision regarding abortion and reproductive rights. Recently, he dismissed the Idaho Emergency Abortion case, which was a legal battle to ensure Idahoans had access to emergency abortion care.
Writing in her Substack blog, Abortion, Everyday, journalist and abortion rights advocate, Jessica Valenti, said, “By dropping this case, the Trump administration is sending a clear message that anti-abortion states don’t have to adhere to [the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act] by giving pregnant patients life-saving care.”
Instead of waiting on Trump's next move regarding women's rights, support women's rights organizations and charities like In Our Own Voice Action Fund and Planned Parenthood.
Empower Others
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Use your voice to raise awareness about the challenges women encounter. This can be achieved through social media platforms or by speaking at local rallies and events. By leading by example, you can inspire others to get involved and contribute to the support.
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