I'm Blogging for Mental Health...And Why You Should Care

Today I am blogging for mental health. Its part of a national effort, sponsored by the American Psychological Association, for bloggers everywhere to share their stories about the importance of good mental health and mental health awareness. 


Why should you care? Truly, mental health affects EVERYTHING we do. 


African Americans are misdiagnosed and under-treated for depression, due to what researchers suggest are legacies of secrets, lies and shame originating from slavery; and perceptions of weakness. Only 12 percent of African American females seek help/treatment; yet many have major commitments to family/community; and are subjected to negative self-representations in the media. This can result in minimal self-care; unhealthy body images; and other co-morbidities. I know personally the importance of wellness and the shame of therapy in the Black community. It works in concert with spiritual healing and not either or...please consider spreading the word on the importance of mental health for you and your family. It can't hurt...but it will help!


I encourage you to learn more at www.yourmindyourbody.org, APA's mind/body health public education campaign blog.

I've Been Waiting For You 2012...

So I'm a bit ashamed that my last post on this blog was in October. My goal for this space was to provide weekly nuggets to promote a divyne and healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, its hard to do that when you're still focusing on balancing your life. Thankfully, I've accomplished alot in the last couple of months and hope to accomplish a whole lot more in 2012!

Everyone seems to be in that spirit of new year's resolutions and starting anew. I always do my resolutions on my personal new year (my birthday) and re-assess this time of the year. I'm excited to report that I'm making progress on my goals and hope that you are too!

One of these goals is to jump back into my running and hot yoga practices. For the next 6 months, I'm training for a half marathon with my local Black Girls Run running group. There is nothing like a supportive network of people to encourage you on that last mile. Our group's motto is that we "never leave a woman behind." I really encourage you to check out your local group (http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/).

My hot yoga practice has been very helpful to my maintaining balance and tranquility. It is not for everyone, but I have truly enjoyed its detoxifying effects and what it has done for my flexibility and joints (particularly with the running).

divynenhealthy thought of the week:
What are your New Year's Resolutions? Or, are you like me and just trying to maintain what you have already begun last year? Either way, find a way to work on continually improving yourself this week. It could be as small as eating more fruits and vegetables or taking the stairs (instead of the elevator) at work. Whatever you do...stay divynenhealthy!

Overwhelmed? Here's Your Cure...

Lately, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed. This is somewhat normal, as I am in my last semester of required courses, working on several writing projects and playing the doctoral student conference/workshop/training game (not to mention my other projects and oh, my personal life!). 

I haven't posted in two weeks. Not because I didn't want to but....mostly because I didn't know what to say. And then tonight, while talking to undergraduate students from four different historically black colleges and universities during and after a graduate panel I was invited to sit on, I remembered my cure for feeling overwhelmed. Just breathe...smile...pay it forward and give thanks! And tonight, I did just that! 

While talking to these starry-eyed, amazing undergraduate students and listening to their plans to change this world, it reminded me why I work so hard and for so long...to be able to connect to these young scholars and help them discover their way. And even though I've missed a couple of deadlines, need to seriously clean my house and can't remember the last time I actually cooked in my kitchen, I have so much to be thankful for....the wonderful support system in my family and friends, the ability to live the life I want, the understanding that this life may not be the one I envisioned when I was a little girl but it is the one that I have and cherish. And, last but not least, I am thankful for all of you who for whatever reason decided to like my page or actually read this. I thank all of you who lift me up...I pray that this post does the same for you. 

I encourage you all to meditate on this divynenhealthy thought of the week...

divynenhealthy thought of the week:

So if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, breathe...smile..do something nice for someone else and pause and give thanks for this life!