Are you ready to end 2020? Okay, family. The struggle was real. Seriously, who would have thought that the world would experience a pandemic, wildfires, and a tumultuous presidential election all in one year? Not us. But before you fast forward to 2021, consider the following. You can’t stop black joy. Despite everything going on right now, remember what Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist Kendrick Lamar once said. “We’ll be fine.”
That being said, it’s time to end 2020 on a high note. The truth is, just because you’re kicking around in your crib all day doesn’t mean you can’t live your best life. Taking extra care of yourself and your mental health is always a good idea at any time of the year, and it’s especially important as the end of the year approaches. At One Yard, we believe there’s never been a better time to take some subtle but meaningful steps to improve your outlook and uplift those around you. That’s why we asked her Tia Brown, a certified therapist at Ready Set Grow and senior director of content development and production at Urban One, for advice on how to find joy in these uncertain times. . Read a Howard alum’s top tips for maintaining your mental health in 2020 and beyond. Let’s get it!
Level up your self-care routine
Schedule time to take care of yourself by incorporating stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, and cooking. Personally, Tia’s favorite stress reliever is walking. “I’m so happy when I have the opportunity to walk a mile a day, so I try to do it in the morning or evening,” she says. Try a few things, like writing in a diary or watching a funny movie (another Tia pastime), find out what brings you joy and indulge in them without feeling guilty. Do whatever you need to do for yourself and your mental health. Your body will thank you for it.
accept your blessings
Regardless of your situation, we are all blessed in some way. Accept your blessings. Did you secure your dream job this year? Did you start your own business? Have you achieved your personal goals? Go! “Never regret your success. As long as you’re doing it healthy and happy, embrace it and enjoy it,” says Tia. Seeing how tough this year has been for so many people, you might be wary of celebrating victories, but that’s not the case. Tia suggests being careful about how you talk about it, depending on your audience and the people around you. She said, “If you’re in a safe place with your friends, [or family] If someone makes you happy, it’s okay to celebrate there. If not, it’s okay to celebrate it yourself, reward yourself, or give yourself a little incentive or reward,” she says.
Celebrate yourself and black beauty
Sure, life’s big moments like Homecoming may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun as a community. “What’s important to us is that we don’t let difficult times, hard times, pandemics, racial injustice, health care, etc. take away all of life’s important moments,” he emphasizes. Homecoming is the pride and joy of HBCUs, and it is imperative that we continue our legendary tradition, even virtually. “For us, Homecoming is a moment each year to remember and celebrate our school experience. [Black] history [and] To reunite with our heritage and those who supported us. [and] To stay connected and support the institutions that have helped shape our lives,” emphasizes Tia. Celebrate yourself and Black beauty every day, all day long, because Black excellence never stops.
stand up in your own way
In light of the pandemic, many of us have started working from home and have had to curtail social gatherings to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. As a result, you may have had to cancel some plans you were looking forward to, like your annual girls’ trip abroad or your weekly Sunday brunch with your siblings. Despite these changes, it doesn’t mean you can’t still live your best life. Maybe you won’t be able to have a big birthday party this year, but instead, you might be able to socially distance with all your favorites until things return to some degree of normalcy. “Life goes through cycles. I don’t mind saying something great has happened, but even though I may not be able to do what I used to do, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate like that at that time. I am grateful and this is how I plan to celebrate from now on,” says Tia.
If the feeling of isolation is taking its toll on you, these four simple tips can help you cope. After all, things may not be so rosy at the moment, but no one can steal your shine. You got this!
