

Let's face it: Stress in the workplace is inevitable and unavoidable. Whether it's due to the nature of the job, your work environment, the people you work with, or the at-home issues that trickle into the office, we've all had to deal with it one way or another. As women, we even take on additional stresseson top of the usual, and if we're not careful, too much stress (and bad habits of suppression or coping) can negatively affect our livelihood, our health, and our sanity.
We're sure you know the dangers of stress, so we won't get into the research today, but sis, we're in the last three months of the year. It's time to go ahead and nip those stress-inducing habits in the bud and tell nagging annoyances where to go. Here's a quick and smart guide on how to reduce stress at work, one step at a time:
1. Add a fun, active exercise to your workday routine.
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Even if your job requires lots of physical movement already, the keyword here is fun. Medical experts always recommend exercise and movement as a stress reliever, and doing something active can indeed increase endorphines and boost you mood. Take things up a notch by bringing a bike, skates, mini trampoline (yes, sis, it's a whole thing), a mini boxing bag, or a jump rope to use during a break.
You don't have to break a sweat, and you certainly don't have to use your whole lunch hour to play, but getting in at least 15 minutes can mean the difference between zen and a disciplinary warning for reading that annoying, narcissistic coworker for the fifth time. This can especially be doable if you work from home or have flex hours. No excuses, friend.
2. Utilize technology to automate, get organized, and save time.
We're fans of working smart, not hard around here. And if you can't put together a good Excel sheet, automate many tedious tasks (like often-used email responses, out-of-office notices, to-do lists, presentations, data projections, even food delivery and self-care appointments), get help. (Literally. Hire a Task Rabbit, ask an intern, invest in platforms like Calendly or take a course. Trust us. It will save your life.)
Research by analytics company Verint shows that 72 percent of people who have "low stress" said they have access to tech that allows them to "work productively" and 64 percent believe that automation "helps reduce workload and stress." So let's stop hand-typing, manually calculating, and doing other monotonous things in real time, and save our amazing brain cells for larger, more complicated tasks.
3. Make prayer or meditation a deliberate part of your day.
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This practice doesn't have to be limited to your home, bedtime routine, emergency response, or that one day you choose to dedicate to self-care. Beyond the spiritual and mental benefits of doing this daily at work, let's get into the science: They have found that prayer and meditation can be "calming," increase your focus, and up those feelings of "emotional support."
You can choose to do it in your car, in a workplace breakroom, or via a 30-minute class or mid-day service, or you can simply breathe a prayer or several affirmations at your desk. Just be sure to deliberately slide this in to break up the chaos that might be going on around you.
4. Carpool, get a ride, or take public transportation.
Again, we see that side-eye, sis. Pick up your lip and hear us out. Beyond the environmental and monetary savings, letting someone else take over the driving during your morning and evening commutes (or for going to mid-day meetings and participating in work-related activities outside the office) has its perks. If you're not into the idea of taking a bus or train right now (totally understandable), treat yourself at least once per month to an Uber or Lyft ride, or find a trusted coworker, family member, or friend, and alternate days to drive. The less time personally dealing with road-raged lunatics, non-driving bumper-riders, and cray-cray congestion, the better.
5. Partner up, get a coach, or delegate.
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Sometimes stress can be connected to taking a do-it-all approach to everything. Here's where a partner comes in. Find ways to either delegate tasks or partner with someone to take on half the load. Advocate for yourself by engaging with others and finding out strengths and skills that can be exchanged or bartered. If that's not an option, utilize the resources provided by your HR department, talk with a mentor about ways to cope with the stresses of major experiences like a work deadline or staff change, or tap a coach or therapist to help you pinpoint workplace stress triggers and ways to reduce, rebound or eliminate them.
Not all stress is connected to negative experiences, and even doing a job you love or working at the company of your dreams involves an element of stress. You're closing deals, managing staff, getting promoted, or taking on new responsibilities, so be sure to take a cue from at least one of these steps and arm yourself to come out on top.
For more job search tips, career advice and profiles, check out the xoNecole Workin Girl section here.
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Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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