Taking care of your mental health is definitely essential for overall wellness, but if you needed even more of a push to put a focus on the mind and spirit, just check this out: Recent research has found that 46% of people with “problem debt” also have a mental health issue, and 86% have indicated that their financial situation “made their mental health problems worse.” That means that while your mental health isn’t all about the money, neglecting it can certainly impact your finances or ability to earn a living.
There are often reports about what mental health neglect costs employers, and while we all can appreciate our jobs, now’s the time to hone in on the person in the mirror, the priceless human being who exists even beyond a role or office and who has to be able to thrive and flourish. Just like you would invest in preventative care for your body, it’s also a good idea, at least financially, to invest in quality mental wellness care.
The Cost of Poor Mental Health
Poor mental health, according to the CDC, has been found to negatively affect one’s job performance, engagement at work, communication abilities, and daily functioning habits. And when you’re not quite operating at your best, there are higher chances of not only making costly mistakes but losing your source of income altogether. There’s an actual cost to mental health distress as well, including spending $3,000 more in health-care services per year, so neglecting to address any issues can literally mean more money going out of your pocket than coming in.
No matter if you’re feeling the effects of burnout or depression or you’re feeling super-happy and upbeat, maintaining deliberate habits related to nurturing your mental health is important. This can look like taking time to decompress and strengthening your mind and spirit through prayer, as well as addressing any symptoms of mental distress or disorders via a visit to a licensed mental health professional. And it doesn’t matter if you need to go once a quarter or once a week or if medication and other therapies are part of your journey or not.
Normalizing incorporating mental health activities and appointments into your overall wellness routine is the move.
How to Maintain Mental Health Wellness
As much as we all want to hustle and make more money, neglecting an important aspect of your well-being can ensure you won’t be able to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor and protect an important priceless asset: yourself.
If you find yourself slacking in the mental health maintenance department, experts recommend taking the following steps:
1. Be sure to honor and uplift yourself.
GiphyStopping habits like negative self-talk in its tracks and doing things that make you feel good on the inside can do amazing things for your mental health. Tap into what helps boost your confidence and participate in activities that do so. Affirmations have also been known to help boost your mood and support motivation, so recite them to yourself or keep them visible around the house.
2. Remember the connection between body and mind, and get active.
GiphyExercise has always been something that has been found to have positive effects on your mental health. Experts have also said time and time again that balanced nutrition habits positively contribute to overall health including mental wellness.
3. Take an accounting of your network and surround yourself with great people.
tracee ellis ross squad GIFGiphyHaving great interactions with family and friends and being surrounded by positive influences have been seen to positively benefit one’s mental health.
4. Set boundaries and seek balance.
Family Vacation Fox GIF by GrandfatheredGiphyIf you find yourself offering too much to one aspect of your life and it’s causing you mental distress or agony, it’s time to reassess and set a few boundaries. Experts have also touted the benefits of doing so including avoiding burnout and building “greater self-esteem.”
5. Don't underestimate the power of coaching and/or therapy.
Therapy GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonGiphyWellness experts often recommend scheduling time to talk to someone, even if there’s nothing “wrong,” per se. Taking charge of nurturing your mental wellness starts with you, and there’s nothing “wrong” with seeking advice or guidance related to your overall mental well-being.
Certified coaches and licensed therapists can guide you toward strategies for sustainable habit adjustments, processing through trauma, addressing addictions, diagnosing disorders, coping with stress triggers like breakups, debt, or lack of job satisfaction, or maintaining overall mental wellness.
If your mental health issues are found to be clinical, you’re not alone. A professional can help you with treatment plans for anxiety disorder, clinical depression, PTSD, or other clinically recognized mental health conditions, and you’d need to be able to manage with the help of a professional and any other resources necessary. Mental wellness must be approached and handled with the same responsible awareness, love, compassion, and deliberate action as your physical wellness.
Taking care of your mental health really boils down to giving yourself the space and permission to seek the help and resources you might need to achieve the life you want and continue reaching your financial goals, one step at a time.
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Here are four trends that might be your perfect intro to a new way to approach wellness and meet the needs of that glow up you've been experiencing (or are set to achieve) this year:
Holistic Fitness & Wellness That's Personalized
When many of us hear the word "fitness" or "wellness," we often think of going to the gym, getting our usual physicals or pap smears, and making an appointment with a therapist. Today's trends take things a bit further, incorporating activities and methods that get beyond the usual preventative care and get more customized and personal, with vaginal and sexual wellness being a huge part of it. It's all about customized nutrition plans and workouts via apps like PlateJoy or Yummly or workouts tailored to your personal goals, unique interests, and a focus on self-love and care.
Hotels are also investing in offering sexual wellness retreats and spas that focus on issues like tapping into intimacy, utilizing fitness activities to combat postpartum challenges, and increasing arousal, a healthy part of both partnered and solo sex as well as relationships.
Suppositories and probiotic pills are nothing new, but Black- and women-owned companies are offering other innovations in products that enhance both inside and out, including The Honey Pot's Boric Acid And Herbs Suppositories used for balancing vaginal PH, Love Wellness's Probiotics Kits for intimate and gut health, or Kushae's Feminine Skin Balm made just for the skin in your nether regions).
Animal Support For Mental Wellness
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More than 25 million households added a new pet to their families during the pandemic according to a recent study, and many saw the emotional and mental benefits of having them. You might have heard of emotional support animals and raised an eyebrow in disbelief, but research has shown that animals positively affect your mood, balance, happiness, and empathy functions, especially for many still dealing with stress and anxiety related to the pandemic. (And in most cases, emotional support animals are part of a therapy plan spearheaded and monitored by a mental health professional.)
For dog-lovers, walking, running, swimming, and even doing yoga with their pets, for example, have been popular fitness activities that provide a fun way to not only stay active but ensure your pet is healthy, too. Playing games as well as utilizing pet-friendly fitness equipment are also other trends that add animals to your routine. And if a dog or cat is not an option for you, there are several other options that might be more feasible, affordable, and manageable based on your lifestyle. Caring for them can be a great way to ease your mind, add a calming routine to your day, and incorporate practices that contribute to your overall well-being.
Innovations In Menstruation
Cycle tracking and syncing have been found, in some cases, to have major wellness benefits and it's a trend that's gaining traction. It involves getting in tune with your body, finding out the best nutrition options for you, and keeping track of your menstrual ebbs and flows (literally) so that you can be better able (along with the help of a medical professional of your choice) to figure out any issues that might arise related to your period and reproductive health. This is well beyond just logging your cycles and tolerating them. Trends point further into empowering yourself, being more strategic, and figuring out the best plan of action to be your best self during your period.
Apps like Aavia (launched by a company that offers a Smart Pill Case, a smart device that helps you keep track of your birth control routine) have options for hormonal health solutions supported by femtech developments, and platforms like Hued provide a seamless and easy way to find Black and "culturally competent" specialists and doctors via a directory.
Maternity Tribes, Plant-Based Remedies & Connections
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From communities of Black doulas and maternity consultants to virtual and in-person mommy retreats and mommy spas, more and more spaces are thriving and expanding to give Black mothers and mothers-to-be the space to use their voice and advocate for one another and share healthcare and wellness resources. Apps like Meet Akina also provide connection and networking opportunities for moms. While there's still more work to be done to address maternal health and the disparities Black women face in the areas of premature births, stillbirths, and horrific hospital experiences, this is one trend that's growing more.
Vaginal personal care products like Ebi's plant-based oils and herbal bath mixes are being touted as great additions to one's day, weekend, or nighttime bathing routines especially those related to postpartum wellness, and vulva care is also on the agenda, with companies like Private Packs offering discreet hot and cold remedy methods for relaxation, pain or inflammation.
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And, while a global shortage of nurses has been widely talked about and reported (and there are indeed major issues in the industry related to burnout, salary inequities, and barriers to career advancement for Black nurses in particular), a U.S.-based study last year found that 81% of nurses indicated they have job satisfaction and, despite the challenges of a boom in demand during the pandemic, they planned to remain at their jobs.
Social media is always an ideal platform as a way to build community, highlight the challenges, and even provide a bit of hilarious workday relief, so check out a few influencers you need to add to your follow lists on Instagram and TikTok who are giving voice to Black women in nursing. (And even if you're not in the field, much of their content is relatable to almost anyone.)
Jasmine Marie
This mom of four offers a great mix of humor, beauty, and smarts that is both informative and entertaining. Her platform is a refreshing look at defining career balance as a nurse on your own terms.
@ieshachataun One and done #agencynurse#fyp#nurselife#nursehumor#nursesoftiktok♬ original sound - Jane Dowden
Iesha
This nurse offers funny takes on everyday scenarios nurses face in the workplace, as well as snippets of her life as a wife and mom who takes time out for self-care and enjoyment.
Taccara
She challenges her tribe to "level up" via advancing education in nursing and offers tips for those pursuing degrees in the field. From encouragement on writing papers and working while in school, you'll definitely find a safe space for getting through that degree program.
@mylifeassugar_ No ma'am/sir, it's time to go!!!! #nursingjokes#nursesugar#nursetoks#nursingfyp♬ original sound - TY FOR 10K!!!
Sugar
Her name says it all, and she's a Nigerian-American nurse who represents for the culture and the best of the industry. Funny, clever, and informative, her TikTok posts (as well as those on Instagram) are for anyone who might need a quick laugh and release during work, no matter what your industry might be.
Morgan
She's all about inclusion and diverse reflections of those who work in the nursing industry. On top of that, she represents for those who work in psychiatric and mental healthcare, adding more to the narrative in terms of resources and tips via fun videos.
Sarah Gaines
Career flexibility, negotiating contracts, and getting to the bag are major themes this influencer focuses on via Instagram and her web platform, encouraging women to take back their peace and follow purpose in the healthcare field.
Brittany Lawson
Her mini-vlogs about how it feels to walk in her shoes during a shift are both relatable and refreshing to watch, and she intermixes travel and luxury lifestyle content on her Instagram that's just as engaging.
Kay
She's a New York-based nurse whose giving comedy Reel-ness on IG, and we're here for it. From topics related to shift assignments to quips about workplace culture, you'll definitely get the humor fix you need with her page.
@lo_ashley Reply to @edevine6 #nurse#nursesoftiktok#lpn#rn#nurselife#studentnurse#nursingstudent♬ original sound - Lo_ashley
Lo_Ashley
This nurse has a tell-it-like-it-is vibe that will remind you of your smart Biology class bestie in college who wouldn't let you give up or drop out, or the workplace bestie who makes the shift that much less stressful and long. Get tips on balancing nursing school obligations with home life as well as real-world insights on salary and education.
@thebougienurse Psych ED & Medical ED, I dont want NO 💨 #psychnurse#ednurse#icunurse#travelnurse#nursesoftiktok#nursetok#nursesoftiktok#nursetok#studentnurse#nursingstudent#nursingschool#ednurse#BigComfy#EasyWithAdobeExpress#viral♬ original sound - AngelBae😚
Kayce Maraj
A TikTok video of her deep conditioning her hair under her work bonnet went viral, and there's more where that came from in the humor and entertainment department. She also gets serious about dispelling myths about the industry, advocating for Black women in nursing and highlighting the challenges they face.
Bonus: Helena
Can't do a list like this without this influencer. While she doesn't post a lot about the nursing industry, she has a delish platform, That Nurse Can Cook, where she offers Caribbean recipes and meal-making how-tos. The wife and mom of two balances building her ever-expanding culinary business with her commitment to her nursing work.
All of these Black women are just a few of the thousands who serve millions of patients, playing important roles as the true heartbeat of the healthcare system. We salute all nurses this week and beyond!
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So, sis, let this be that final sign you needed to upgrade your online presence. Here are four ways to do so:
1. Create your own website or page versus depending on the free stuff.
Nothing says boss like your own website. Many of us learned a hard lesson during the infamous Facebook outage of late 2021. The platform and its app fam including WhatsApp and Instagram, were down for hours, leaving some who rely on traffic, social media-based product sales, and brand partnerships missing out on the bag. It's important to have your own little space on the internet that is for you and by you.
Creating a page or a website for yourself not only empowers you to be the sole controller of content and to be able to update as you see fit, but you can leverage it to get new opportunities and build your own community of followers and supporters.
Then you can allow your Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram to complement your main website. Even if you're a regular-degular professional, you can have something to give recruiters that shows your creativity, your abilities to strategically market a very hot commodity (yourself), and stand out from those who only have that one LinkedIn page or their social platforms to rely on. Resources like Wix, GoDaddy, Squarespace, or WordPress are easy to use and have quality tools for building reasonable DIY websites.
(Another big tip: For me, as a journalist, I'm more apt to contact a professional or small business owner for an expert voice or feature who has their own branded website. It just shows that they take their jobs and businesses seriously and go above and beyond. More than likely, they can offer a certain A-level of expertise needed and have stories of reputability that I and many media outlets require.)
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2. Invest in updating your visuals, including photos and text.
If you've still got that college graduation shot from 2006 or that ID picture from five jobs ago as your lead visual on your LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram profiles, sis, it's time for a refresh. And how about hiring a photographer to get some new professional shots of you? You never know when your voice might be needed for an article, conference, commercial, or YouTube interview, and you want the best version of yourself presented as your first web-based impression. Also, sometimes your branded website, About.me page, or the visuals you use on your social sites need to be upgraded, too.
The quality of visuals shows you're serious and competitive, and while it's great to be able to DIY things, some results scream "amateur and unprofessional" when you're a true boss IRL. Take a look at the full picture and figure out if it's time to change a few color schemes, invest in a new camera or program, or use that Canva or Adobe time and money to hire a real-life graphic artist or professional photographer. Also, the way in which you tell your story or offer your products and services is important, so you'll need to make sure that all information is up-to-date, accurate, and best represents, holistically, who you are and what you offer.
What vibe does it give off? Do the colors, wording, and placement of elements like photos and titles reflect who you really are as a professional or business owner? Intelligence? Quirkiness? Fun? Creativity? Boldness? Simplicity? Be sure you're sending the right message in both the look, feel, and content of your sites, and if you're not sure, hire a copywriter, PR professional, or coach who can help you tell your story best.
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3. Get into SEO and learn how content is searched and shared on the internet.
You don't have to be an expert on search engine optimization (SEO) but you'll need to at least know a thing or two about how people search the web and how you can get them to find you among the billions (or trillions?) of pieces of content shared via Google and other search engines. There are certain words, phrases, and types of content that get more love based on your goals of why you'd want someone to get to know you via the internet, so it's good to know what those elements are. Try blogs (like this awesome one via Hubspot) or other online tutorials. Also, use the tools available to you on your blog's dashboard, Instagram's insight resources, or helpful content creators' tips (like those offered by these amazing women.)
Be patient with yourself if this is super-new to you or if it's something that baffles you. Learning from trial-and-error, through inspiration, or by simply experimenting with titles, formatting, headlines, hashtags, and visuals can be fun if you remember your goal: to boost your online presence and reach your success goals.
And if you just really can't be bothered with all this between boss moves, schedule a consulting session with someone who can. You can even hire someone (if you have distinct goals for this) to monitor, assess, and boost your visibility for search. They can let you know the dos and don'ts that could be costing you customers, interest, or partnerships.
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4. Try a different way of showcasing who you are online.
Listen, I don't expect you to be doing TikTok dances all up in the videos (in my Suge Knight voice) and I definitely don't expect you to upload new Instagram Reels every other hour, but come on sis, get creative. If you're passionate about what you do, can offer smart insights on career advancement, technology, beauty, finance, or whatever it is that you're great at, try getting in front of the camera and offering those tips via a Facebook or Instagram live, writing a blog post, or even posting a few simple informative updates on your LinkedIn page a few times a week.
What's unique about you and how you do your job? Find ways to showcase that with video, tutorials, brand packages, or artistry. If you're not into overdoing, oversharing, or just doing themost, guess what? Even that's something you can leverage to show who you are online.
Start a podcast or network to be a guest on one. Showcase your work via great graphics (a simple comedic or straight-to-the-point phrase graphic can do wonders) or videos (even if you're not in front of the camera). Infuse your personality in what you do, especially if you're an introvert (like me) or you're into niche and nontraditional things. (Listen, there's a space for you considering there are at least thousands of other people who can relate.)
Get deliberate about pursuing the many ways you can become more visible as a leader in your industry and still remain authentic, balanced, and on point, whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or 9-to-5er. Tap in!
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Try one of these four fun staycation ideas for your next girls' trip, family get-together, or that solo getaway you've been putting off:
Spa Weekend... But Make It Black-Owned
GiphyWhether it's booking a Black mobile spa service, getting private services from Black manicurists, or booking a room at a local Black-owned B&B and using products by Black-owned brands, make this weekend one where your girls celebrate each other and support the boss tribe. (And for finding Black spa professionals, Instagram or Facebook are your best bets.)
To host the weekend, there are several Black-owned boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfast spots around the country that might be right in your backyard. Try Akwaaba Mansion which has locations in Brooklyn, N.Y., Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania's Poconos; Houston's La Maison In Midtown; The Oak Bluffs Inn in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; Salamander Resort And Spa in Middleburg, Va.; Maison Dupuy in New Orleans; or Sonesta Silicon Valley in Milpitas, Calif.
Glamping
GiphyThis is one you could hire someone to sit upright in the comfort of your own yard or patio or go the DIY route and cop a spot at a local park or campsite. With glamping, it's all about cultivating an experience you'll enjoy, with food, music, and activities that reflect your mood and tastes. You can get a four-person tent for less than $100, add your favorite patio chairs or even a blow-up mattress with nice sheets and linens, set up a film screen or portable music player, spark up the portable grill and have a good ole' time.
If you're not into doing all that prep, Airbnb offers a diverse array of glamping experiences, from the rustic to the all-out luxe, that is definitely worth checking out, like this yurt on Lookout Mountain in Georgia that includes Wifi, a king-sized bed, a full kitchen and a deck with a view of the Chattanooga Valley, or this adults-only "disco dome" that comes with an outdoor rain shower, a private pool, and views on a beautiful homestead among in the Texas Hill Country.
Global Eats Bar or Restaurant Hop
GiphyThere's no better way to feel like you're in another country than to explore flavors via food. There have to be at least four different locals you could at least feel like you're visiting via local restaurants, and you don't even have to book a hotel to do this. Take some time to plan out what restaurants or bars you'll hit and be sure to add at least one that's a bit out of your usual comfort zone in terms of tastes, vibes, or palette.
Cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are known for their enclaves and neighborhoods that offer delish food and drink options from around the world but don't sleep on off-the-beaten-path locales that have hidden gems or pockets of amazing eateries like the Irish Channel in New Orleans, the Filipino food dining scene of Virginia Beach, Va., the craft beer breweries in or near Charlotte, N.C., or the bourgeoning hot spots offering a diverse mix of restaurants in Cincinnati including Lebanese and Japanese infusions.
Drive The Boat
GiphyIf you want to go a bit bougie (on a bit of a budget) book a weekend stay on a houseboat (or charter a yacht for one day out to sea (or lake) while you stay at home or at a local hotel.) Sites like Vrbo, Airbnb, or Expedia are a good place to start to find a houseboat or yacht that matches your tastes and budget, and you can go big, small, or anything in between.
And while this is technically not a staycation, you can take the idea a bit further by booking a short cruise that, though some cross borders, doesn't have the same price, time, or distance commitment that a 5-dayer to the Bahamas or Aruba might entail. Royal Caribbean, for example, offers a 3-day cruise from Los Angeles, California to Ensenada, Mexico, which is a little more than 200 miles (or a 4-hour drive) away. If you live in the New England area, Celebrity Cruises offers convenient itineraries that start in cities like Maine and Boston and travel to major cities in Canada, or those that start in Seattle and venture to Alaska. American Cruise Lines has a voyage that goes up the East Coast, from Baltimore, Md., to Amelia Island, Fl.
Whatever you choose, get creative and explore the communities near you, whether a walk or drive away. You can safely fulfill your wanderlust desire while giving yourself a bit more time to feel comfy getting back to the normal pack-and-fly routine you were used to pre-pandemic.
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