Staying Mentally Healthy Together

Improving mental health as a collective can help increase accountability, positive thinking, assurance, and motivation. We’ve come up with five ways to stay mentally healthy together and have also included helpful resources.

Make social connection a priority

At times, it's just best to talk it out. Connecting with family and friends via phone and/or video chat can be enough interaction to help boost/improve your mood. Or meet up with those you care about for face-to-face contact if you are comfortable doing so.

Indulge in a new hobby

Use your free time to try out something that excites you. Go online and find a group that also shares the same interest and attend their virtual or in-person events. Hobbies and special interest groups are great ways to meet new friends and build connections.

Use self-care activity cards

If you're not sure where to begin, self-care activity cards can be a great inspiration to get you started. Melanin Queen Cards feature 52 weeks of fun, curated self-care activities. Completing them with a partner or group will keep each person accountable. You can share your experiences every week over a video call or in person. 

Get physically active

Being active can help reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and more. Start small with walking and interacting with neighbors or other walkers, which can stimulate endorphins. Join a local boot camp or gym to also work out in a group setting, or get a trainer for extra motivation.

Take mental breaks

Meditation and yoga are known to help reduce stress and anxiety. Join a yoga class with a virtual or local studio. If you’re in the mood for a longer break and would like to travel, look up local and destination retreats that offer yoga or meditation.

Tianna Christine is a yoga instructor and co-owner of Melanin Queen Creative, a company that is committed to uplifting women, especially women of color, through creative products that foster self-awareness, sisterhood, and personal growth.

For more inspiration, check out the following resources:

Balanced Black Girl Podcast
https://www.balancedblackgirl.com/podcast/

Black Girls Heal Podcast
https://www.blackgirlsheal.org/podcast

Black Mental Wellness Behavioral Strategies
https://www.blackmentalwellness.com/behavioral-strategies

Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation Resources
https://borislhensonfoundation.org/resources/ 

Bright Journey Counseling 
https://brightjourneycounseling.com/

Brown Girl Self Care Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-girl-self-care/id1463356560

Clinicians of Color
https://www.cliniciansofcolor.org/ 

How We Heal by Alex Elle
https://www.alexelle.com/

Insight Timer app
https://insighttimer.com/

Psychology Today: Find a Black and African-American Therapist
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/african-american

SAMHSA’s National Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Therapy for Black Girls
https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

Unleash Your Melanin Magic Self Care Cards
https://bit.ly/melaninqueencards

Yoga with Tianna: 5 Minute Guided Meditation: Peaceful Place / Mental Vacation
https://youtu.be/AY5HvK4VTfE