As an African-American woman, you like many other African-American women may have grown up in a household where you witnessed your mother, grandmother or female caretaker rise early to take care of the needs of her family, church and community. She was dedicated to what she did for others, however, seldom did she say no to anyone and she took tremendous pride in not showing any signs of emotional or mental fragility.
The problem?
In her strength, she forgot to take care of the most important person in her life. Herself! She carried the pride of being a “Strong Black Woman” all while breaking down on the inside without an utter of asking for help. You too may take this inherited approach to your life.
Although having strength it is an admirable characteristic. It can also be one of the greatest threats to the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of African-American women.
Therefore, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, over-committed and not heard, exhale and remember you count too and use the following tips.
5 Tips to Invest in Your Health Now!
Being honest with yourself about the condition of your body is essential if you’re going to get healthier. If you haven’t been good to your body, it’s acceptable to acknowledge this to yourself. Saying it out loud will allow you to take ownership of your role. This isn’t a time for condemnation, just acknowledgment and compassion.
Tip # 2 Apply the Rule of 7:
Commit to doing 1 healthy thing per day for yourself and by the end of the week you have done 7 healthy things for yourself. I call this my Rule of 7. This principle is simple and creates a daily awareness of your food and physical activity choices.
Tip # 3 Just Move:
Commit to moving your body by walking or exercising 3-5 days per week for at least 30 minutes per day. Research from The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has shown that exercising at least 30 minutes 5 days per week can yield great health benefits. If you can’t walk 5 days per week, start off slow and aim for at least 2-3 days per week. If you don’t live in a safe area where you can walk at a park or in your neighborhood, find somewhere safe and walk indoors in places such as a mall or a shopping center.
Tip # 4 Refuse to Buy a Larger Size:
Buying larger sized clothes can give you a reason not to be mindful of your weight gain. Therefore, if you notice yourself gaining weight, REFUSE to buy any clothes that are a larger size. Instead, focus on your eating and physical activities as a way to combat your weight gain.
Tip # 5 Make a Commitment:
Making a commitment to your health is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and those who love you. When you make a commitment to your health, you’re telling the world and yourself that you are WORTH the time, money and energy required to take care of yourself!
Tip # 6 Ask for Help:
Before you feel yourself becoming overworked, overwhelmed or over-committed ask for help. By asking for help you free up time for self-care and mental detox. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, rather a sign of strength.
You Have the Power To Change!
You Have The Power To Become Well!
As a woman who has been taught to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, if you’re not mindful or intentional about investing in your own health and well-being, you can place everyone else’s needs before your own. In many ways this can be detrimental to your health. Therefore, take control of your health today by telling yourself that you count too.
Here’s to keeping you well!
Are you tired of placing everyone else’s needs above your own? Ready to get healthy and lose unwanted body fat, learn how to eat better and move your body more? If you do, enroll now in our 6-week online wellness program or purchase our program and start your wellness journey on your own. Learn more now about Changing the Norm Wellness Program at https://www.wellcontent4u.com/changing-the-norm-wellness/.
Featured on TV stations such as Fox 40, ABC 10, and NBC News as well as featured in over 30 health and fitness magazines such as Oxygen Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, Strong Fitness and Flex Magazine as a thought leader on population health, women’s health and minority health, Laticia “Action” Jackson is a Fitness Olympian, 13 x Wellness Author, Globally Recognized Health and Fitness Expert and Owner of Well Content 4 U! Her passion is to help prevent chronic illnesses and empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. take ownership of their health and well-being by providing relevant and evidence-based wellness information delivered through content, wellness workshops and online wellness programs. Learn More about Laticia “Action”Jackson Here!
