Release
The Stress
Challenge
Sometimes we all need
a little reminder to
stop stressin’, Sis.
A million Zoom meetings. Your never-ending to-do list. The daily news. Your workload at home and on the job. Sometimes, we’re so used to stress that we forget what peace feels like.

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.

Show Your Heart Some TLC
Take Our 7-Day Release the Pressure Challenge

For these 7 days, your goal is to:
Get Active: Do at least 15 minutes of physical activity each day.

Why — and How — to Release the Stress

Whether it’s a car speeding through a red light, caring for a sick loved one, or stirring in worry about what’s on the news, stress and blood pressure go hand-in-hand.

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.

Try one of these videos on Headspace to start releasing your stress now:

HEADSPACE
WAKE UP HOME WORKOUT

HEADSPACE
WIND DOWN HOME WORKOUT

No Excuses: Dealing With Your “But’s”

Between the naysaying voice in your head and daily assaults Black women face for just being black and female, it’s easy to talk ourselves out of taking these steps to reduce stress and protect our hearts. But here’s a way to combat those doubts:

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.

By the way, have you updated your vision board lately?

Visualize your goals — and make them happen!

Don’t Forget to
Sign Up For the
Release the Stress Challenge

Fill out my online form.