
The Stress
Challenge
a little reminder to
stop stressin’, Sis.
Then there’s the unrest over social injustices facing the Black community and the impact of COVID-19 on those you love, or caring for children and parents, while working full-time.
With all that’s going on, self-care is really self-defense. It’s how we can stand up to stress.
Stress has been linked to a number of negative health consequences. High stress can lead to behaviors like overeating and smoking, which can eventually lead to high blood pressure or other forms of heart disease.
Also, when you are going through a stressful event, your body releases stress hormones into your bloodstream that can increase your blood pressure. The increase is only temporary — your blood pressure will return to normal once the stressful event is over. However, even temporary spikes can damage your heart and blood vessels.
Stress-reducing habits like getting enough physical activity each day have to become as important as handling our business at work or in the home. Putting a pause on any unnecessary stress is a must for your heart and mind.
You won’t have time until you make time. Block out time each day to get your body moving. And make this time off-limits for 7 days.
You don’t need to go to a gym. Find a space at home where you can be physically active. Then find a free workout app that requires no equipment and get moving. And if you have a small living space, get creative. You might think you have no space — but even simply pushing a few chairs to the side can give you all the space you need.
Physical activity actually provides you with more energy by increasing your blood flow and releasing natural endorphins to make you feel better. Try again.
The good thing about physical activity is that your options are endless. Find an activity that you actually enjoy like dancing or yoga.