On a scale of 0-10 how would you rate your stress level this week? What physical symptoms do you feel when I am stressed? I like to check in with myself with questions like these to reflect on what has happened over the last week and to get in tune with how my body is feeling.
When I think of the factors that create stress in the lives of myself, my clients, and others, I understand that stressful events can be both avoidable and unavoidable. We can’t prevent acts of systemic and institutional racism, police brutality, trauma, abuse from parents, financial struggles, mental or physical illness. Nor can I deny the historical and present-day heinous acts of slavery and Jim Crow that continue to deeply impact Black communities. While we cannot prevent these events from happening, I believe we can do our best to monitor how we take care of our bodies in response to these factors. Our stress levels are important to acknowledge and monitor due to the potential negative impacts it can have on our body, from head toe. Take a minute, and ask yourself, how does my body feel when I am stressed? Maybe you experience headaches, rapid heart rate or chest pain. For many it looks like “burn-out” (feeling depleted or empty). Stress has been found to lower our immune system, which can lead to immediate illness and long-term chronic health issues, cause brain structural changes, weight management issues, increase blood pressure. Deep breathing exercises, venting to a friend or in therapy, guided meditation, journaling, and herbal mixes are some of my favorite remedies when I am feeling stressed. Lavender is one of my favorite herbs and it can be uses for many purposes. It can be helpful for stress and anxiety relief, insomnia, headache relief, anti-inflammatory, soothing skin, and more. Lavender Latte (Lavender Moon Milk): 1 tsp of edible lavender buds ½ cup of your favorite milk (I use coconut or almond) ½ cup of water Sweetener of choice 1) Pour milk and water into a saucepan or pot and add lavender buds 2) Bring the liquid mixture to slight boil and immediately turn off the fire 3) Strain lavender buds and pour drink into your cup 4) Add sweetener 5) Enjoy! Disclaimer: All information presented and written my articles are intended for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Ife is a Pasadena Native, currently working as a mental health therapist providing therapy to individuals, ages 17-elder adults. She works from a holistic perspective and is passionate about supporting people with their health through food, nutrition, and sound healing. |
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