How Black Women Can Prioritize Wellness This Election Season – Essence

Election week finally arrived; a day that, not without reason, we greet with double optimism and fear. As we wait for the election results and subsequent reactions, it is vital to concentrate on the wellness and sweetness practices that keep us grounded.

Regardless of the election result, emotions shall be high and will spark social unrest, which could cause significant concern for marginalized groups. As evidenced by past elections and the January 6 revolt, American society often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state. The potential consequence of a Black woman’s election to the presidency raises hope in lots of and outrage in others, prompting some populations to concentrate on caring for themselves and their communities during this time.

Wellness and sweetness routines often go hand in hand and will be effective regulating practices to appease nerves. The ritualistic nature of makeup or skincare routines, mindfulness meditations, and prioritizing nutrition and rest are all ways to nourish yourself during difficult times. The immediate aftermath of results, whether higher or worse, is more likely to trigger emotionally charged experiences.

She tapped ESSENCE Dr. Robin OnwongPh.D., a provisionally licensed psychologist, to grasp how these decisions may impact Black women and what we are able to do to develop healthy habits.

First, it explains the function of the stress hormone, cortisol, and its context. “When cortisol levels are high for an prolonged time period (e.g., from the beginning of voter registration to Election Day to the inauguration), stress begins to build up and creates allostatic load. In other words, it weakens our immune system and increases the chance of mental health problems, heart problems, fatigue, lack of attention, poor nutrition, etc.

“Overall,” she continues, “most black women in the states were already experiencing high allostatic load, and the election season only deepened the collective sense of heaviness.”

“My encouragement, from both a human and clinical standpoint, is to manage the stress before and after the election whenever possible, focus on the fundamentals and stay on top of the controllables. This looks like building on well-being practices that focus on our basic human needs.”

Dr. Onwong’s list of straightforward areas we are able to start relieving stress include: eating nutritious meals and staying adequately hydrated, getting enough quality rest, and exercising. Additionally, she notes that other vital practices include breath work “which draws you into the present moment,” gratitude exercises, clearing your physical space, and being “a more gracious steward of your time on social media.”

It also points to the effectiveness of community, which may give some people a way of hope and security. In addition to home wellness methods, there are numerous shared spaces where you may seek emotional refuge. Below you can see resources so you may safely connect with others and never feel the necessity to face this stressful day alone.

Sister Song’s Election Party

Sister Song is a reproductive justice collective led by women of color based in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 5, they’re organizing a private “election party” with themes of sharing space, healing, creating artistic endeavors and being in community.

Therapy for black girls on election day. Room for self-care

Therapy for black girls is a web based platform and resource base specializing in the mental health of Black women and girls. On November 5, they’re organizing a virtual Self-care room on election day featuring guided yoga, meditation, journaling sessions and open check-ins. You can find tickets and event information HERE.

Hello Healing Circles

Onwong’s doctor shares: “Association of Black Psychologists offers on November 4, 5, and 6, 2024. These are virtual, protected community spaces for people of African descent that draw on culturally rooted healing strategies to deal with Black trauma/stress and social violence. These are non-clinical (non-therapeutic), culturally supportive and affirming spaces intended to advertise well-being and overall social-emotional adjustment. To express interest, please send an email.

BEAM Holiday break on election day

BEAM, also generally known as the Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective, is a platform dedicated to Black healing. Together with indicated resources to deal with election unrest, they’re organizing three meetings virtual “pause” sessions. throughout election day to have the chance to “pause, take a breath and sort out the situation together.”

Black women’s sisterhood with plans

Black Women’s Agenda is an area dedicated to the well-being of Black women. They offer weekly sisterhood circles emphasizing political education, wellness, and collective care. The next virtual circle will happen on Thursday, November 7.