Black women carry an extraordinary legacy of strength, resilience, and care—but that strength should never come at the cost of our well-being. During Stress Awareness Month, it’s vital to acknowledge our unique stressors—from systemic inequities to the unspoken pressure to be everything for everyone. Chronic stress can quietly impact our mental, emotional, and physical health, showing up in ways that affect our hearts, our rest, our peace.
Staying grounded is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing health, setting boundaries, and giving ourselves permission to rest and recharge is how we reclaim our power. Because when Black women are well, whole, and centered, we thrive—and so do our families, communities, and generations to come.
5 powerful and affirming ways Black women can de-stress and stay centered
1. Protect Your Peace with Boundaries
Set and maintain boundaries in your personal and professional life. Say no without guilt. Choose rest over hustle when needed. Your peace is non-negotiable.
✨ Affirmation: “I am allowed to say no. I protect my energy and honor my needs.”
2. Indulge in Restorative Self-Care
Go beyond bubble baths—think yoga, walking meditations, a solo dance session to your favorite playlist, or a digital detox day. Reconnect with your body and spirit.
🧘🏽♀️ Try This: A 10-minute body scan meditation or a guided affirmation just for Black women.
3. Nurture Sisterhood
Lean into your tribe. Whether it's a group chat, a book club, or a sister-circle—talking, laughing, venting, and uplifting each other is powerful medicine.
💬 Reminder: You don’t have to carry it all alone. Community heals.
4. Journal Your Joy (and Your Mess)
Write it down. Release the thoughts you’re holding onto. Reflect on what brings you joy. Use journaling to process your emotions and track your growth.
📓 Prompt: “What do I need to release today? What do I want to call in?”
5. Reclaim Rest Without Guilt
You are not lazy for needing a nap. You are not behind because you paused. Rest is resistance, and it’s revolutionary—especially for Black women.
🛌🏾 Read: “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey (The Nap Ministry founder)
5 empowering books
that support Black women with de-stressing, affirmations, and emotional well-being. Each one is a powerful tool for healing, reflection, and self-empowerment
The founder of The Nap Ministry offers a radical call to rest, reminding Black women that slowing down is a form of resistance. This book is part spiritual guide, part liberation tool.
🛏️ Perfect for: Letting go of grind culture and reclaiming rest as a sacred right.
Black Girl In Love (with Herself): A Guide to Self-Love, Healing, and Creating the Life You Truly Deserve by Trey Anthony
🌿 Perfect for: Women looking to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and spiritual self-care.
Affirmations for Black Women: A Journal by Oludara Adeeyo
This guided journal combines powerful affirmations with space for reflection. It’s a daily practice for boosting confidence, peace, and self-worth.
📝 Perfect for: Starting or ending your day grounded and uplifted.
Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit by Queen Afua
A timeless spiritual and holistic guide rooted in African traditions. It offers rituals, affirmations, and sacred practices for deep healing and alignment.
🌿 Perfect for: Women looking to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and spiritual self-care.
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker
A no-nonsense, deeply insightful book that addresses mental health through a culturally relevant lens. It includes strategies for emotional wellness and dealing with stress.
🧠 Perfect for: Understanding how stress affects us and how to reclaim mental strength.