August is National Wellness Month

Here are 10 ways Black people can nurture their mind, body, and spirit during National Wellness Month

🧠 Mind

  1. Practice Digital Detox with Intention
    Set aside daily time to unplug from news, social media, and overstimulation, especially from content that retraumatizes or drains mental energy. Replace with reading, journaling, or silence.

  2. Attend a Black Therapist or Mental Health Group
    Seek culturally competent therapy or support groups that understand the unique experiences of being Black in America. Sites like Therapy for Black Girls or Black Men Heal are great resources.

  3. Read Books by Black Authors on Healing & Joy
    Pick up titles that celebrate Black mental wellness, spirituality, or self-development. Examples: “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde or “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey.

🧘🏾 Body

  1. Join a Black-Owned Fitness or Wellness Space
    Take part in yoga, dance, or fitness classes created by and for Black communities. Spaces like Trap Yoga, Afro Soca Dance, or Melanin Moves foster empowerment and movement.

  2. Incorporate Ancestral Nutrition
    Honor ancestral diets with nutrient-rich foods: leafy greens, legumes, grains, and herbs. Try cooking African or Caribbean meals that center health and heritage.

  3. Rest & Reclaim Nap Time
    Inspired by movements like The Nap Ministry, embrace rest as a form of resistance. Take guilt-free naps or engage in deep rest practices.

🕊️ Spirit

  1. Connect with Nature through “Black Joy Walks”
    Spend intentional time outside by walking, gardening, or sitting by water. Nature is healing, and walking meditations can reconnect the spirit to Earth.

  2. Practice Affirmations Rooted in Cultural Pride
    Use affirmations that affirm identity and resilience:
    “My Blackness is a source of power, peace, and purpose.”
    “I carry the wisdom of my ancestors with grace.”

  3. Engage in Collective Healing
    Attend healing circles, retreats, or Black church services that emphasize soul nourishment. Collective prayer, praise, or meditation is spiritually grounding.

  4. Celebrate Ancestral Traditions
    Light a candle for your ancestors, study African spirituality, or create an altar space to honor them. Honoring lineage can uplift spirit and identity.