Wellness habits are something that we develop as we learn more about ourselves, especially as they relate to accommodating the professional lives we dream of and, eventually make a reality. We are also able to define exactly what wellness even means for ourselves, as we all have lifestyles and goals that vary. That being said, the habits we build can evolve over time, and the more we progress as the smart, beautiful Black queens we are, the more we look to the ambitious, successful women we admire to find ways to elevate.
Many of the women in business, entertainment, sports, medicine, and education that we know to be leaders in their industries practice habits that keep them refreshed, balanced, and better able to do what they do well. Let's take a look at the top wellness habits of the bossed-up and successful and take notes for inspiring overall wellness in our own lives:
1. They participate in fitness activities that they actual enjoy.
Whether it's the Tracy Anderson method for actress Tracee Ellis Ross, cardio and dancing for Cay Skin CEO Winnie Harlow, or Michelle Obama's shift to yoga, successful women often seek out fitness activities that not only work for them, but that are satisfying and meet their current needs.
Oftentimes wellness is not all about following a different IG workout every week or doing routines that you don't look forward to every week. It's more about knowing your body, being well-informed about your wellness goals, and finding what works for you. It's about actually enjoying fitness activities, and sticking to them. It's also ideal to shift or change based on your evolutions and transitions as a woman.
2. They recognize the importance of stillness or taking breaks to do absolutely nothing.
Actress and author Yvonne Orji once said "goodbye to the hustle and grind" and affirmed her approach to finding peace through taking baths to replenish her body and spirit. Tennis champ Naomi Osaka has sworn by meditation and the fact that self-care "doesn't have to be complicated." Oprah has practiced a Sunday routine of "doing nothing," making that day a "spiritual base of renewal."
Whether you're at zero or 100 on the scale of hard work right now, taking breaks and tapping into stillness where it makes sense for your life, mental health, and goals is important. Even if it's not a moment of total silence, taking time out of your day, week, or month to fully tap into breathwork, ease, or serenity can be something you make part of the usual to-dos on your calendar.
3. They approach wellness holistically, healing and helping multiple aspects of themselves.
Broadcaster Clara Amfo is all about loving your "whole self," and chef and singer Kelis pairs workouts with her love of incorporating fresh ingredients into the dishes she cooks. My Fab Finance founder Tonya Rapley has invested in time at a mental health gym, where she explored technological innovations and treatments to help her release stress hormones. Actress, entrepreneur, and producer Issa Rae has also touted the importance of seeking therapy, not just as something to do when something is "wrong," but as a normal part of self-care.
With wellness, it's not just about working out or eating a certain trending diet, but incorporating other things that benefit your health and wellness, like therapy and inner work.
It's great to follow a disciplined workout routine and meal plan, but there's more to your overall well-being than that. Doing things that tap into your spirituality, creativity, and inner child are all ways to balance how you approach what wellness truly means for you.
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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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