5 Ways Black People Can Reduce Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is when you feel worried, anxious, or overwhelmed for a long time. It can happen because of things like discrimination, financial struggles, or difficult life situations. For Black people, dealing with chronic stress can be even harder because of the extra challenges they might face, like racism or unfair treatment. But there are ways to handle stress and feel better, even when things get tough.


Here are some ways Black people can manage chronic stress:


                                                                                                Photo credit Pexels


 1. Talking to Someone You Trust

    

Sometimes, talking to a family member, friend, or mentor can help. When you share what you're feeling, it can make the stress feel more manageable. It's like taking a weight off your shoulders.


If you don't have someone you can talk to, it might help to talk to a therapist or counsellor. They are trained to listen and help people work through tough emotions.


                                                                                                                                 Photo credit Pexels
 


 2. Staying Positive and Focusing on What You Can Control

 

While stress can sometimes feel overwhelming, focusing on the things you can control, like your actions or your attitude, can help you feel more empowered.


Practice looking for small positive things in your day, even if they’re tiny. This can help shift your focus away from stress and create more moments of peace.


                                                                            Photo by Jorge Fakhouri Filho: Pexels




 3.  Being Kind to Yourself

Chronic stress can make you feel like you're not doing enough, but it's important to be kind to yourself.


You probably have heard the saying "Black people have to be twice as strong and twice as good to get half as far". (You've probably heard this or said this if you are over the age of 50).  The drive to work hard is understandable. At the same time, remind yourself that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, and you deserve to take breaks.


With high blood pressure and stress-related diseases rampant in the Black community taking care by being kind to yourself is important.  Practice selfcare, like taking time to do something you enjoy or focusing on things that make you happy.  Even if it’s as little as 10 minutes in your day, those tiny little breaks can make a big difference.


                                                                            Photo by Barbara Olsen: Pexels


 4. Building a Strong Support Network

Surrounding yourself with supportive people who care about you can make a big difference. Whether it's family, friends,  community group or church group, having people you can lean on helps reduce the feeling of stress.

 

Community support can be especially important, as sharing experiences with others who understand can help you feel less alone.



Photo credit Freepik



  5.  Get Professional Help if Needed

  

If stress starts to feel too much to handle on your own, it might help to talk to a Black counsellor who can offer professional advice. They can help you learn coping skills and ways to manage stress better.                                               


Bottom line:  Don't let chronic stress weigh you down. By using these strategies, Black people can help reduce the effects of chronic stress and find healthier ways to cope. It’s important to remember that managing stress is a journey, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way.

 





















Photo Credits Header by Freepik

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Photo by Jorge Fakhouri Filho: Pexels

Photo by Barbara Olsen: Pexels

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