what happens when stress is stressin’

Stress is a part of life, but for many Black women, daily pressures can be overwhelming. Balancing work, family, and societal expectations, along with dealing with racism and sexism, leads to chronic stress that affects our well-being.

Understanding how stress shows up in our mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health is a vital first step in embracing a wellness lifestyle that nourishes and heals.

Mental Health

When you’re constantly under stress, your mental health can take a big hit. Maybe you’ve felt anxiety creeping in or noticed how easy it is to feel burnt out. As Black women, we often feel the need to be strong and resilient, but it’s also okay to acknowledge that the pressures we face—both seen and unseen—can leave us feeling emotionally drained. The reality is, when your brain is always in fight-or-flight mode, it becomes hard to relax, think clearly, or even focus on the things that matter most to you.

You might be juggling so much that it feels like there’s no time to slow down or seek help, but your mental health matters. It’s not a weakness to say, “I need support.” In fact, taking time to practice mindfulness, connect with a therapist, or simply breathe deeply can be one of the most powerful acts of self-care we can give ourselves.

Physical Health

It’s easy to ignore the physical signs of stress, but our bodies often tell us what our minds are too busy to acknowledge it. Maybe you’ve noticed frequent headaches, tightness in your shoulders, or trouble sleeping. Chronic stress can do a number on your body, leading to more serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and even fatigue that just won’t go away.

As Black women, we’re already more at risk for some of these conditions, so it’s especially important to listen to your body. Regular movement, nourishing foods, and restful sleep are essential tools for protecting your physical health. When you take care of your body, you’re also helping it cope with the stress that life throws your way.

Spiritual Health

For many of us, spirituality is a source of strength and comfort. It’s that deep, inner well that keeps you grounded, even when life feels chaotic. But chronic stress can leave you feeling disconnected from your spiritual practices, whether that’s prayer, meditation, or simply finding time to reflect.

When stress takes over, it can make you feel like you’ve lost touch with your purpose or that sense of peace you usually find in your spiritual routine. Reconnecting with your spirituality—whether through quiet moments or joining a community of faith—can help restore your sense of balance and inner calm.

Emotional Health

Emotionally, stress can weigh you down in ways you might not even realize. You may notice mood swings, irritability, or times when you just feel emotionally exhausted. As Black women, we often carry the emotional load for others—whether it’s in our families, our jobs, or our communities. But constantly being the "strong one" can leave you feeling like your own emotions don’t have room to breathe.

It’s important to create space for your feelings, even when it feels like you have to put others first. Emotional health is about honoring your own needs, setting boundaries, and allowing yourself to feel whatever you’re going through without guilt. It’s okay to take time for yourself. You deserve it.

Embracing a Wellness Lifestyle

Recognizing how stress shows up in your life is the first step in taking back control of your well-being. Embracing a wellness lifestyle means making room for your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Whether that’s through therapy, movement, spiritual practices, or simply taking a few minutes a day to check in with yourself, every small step counts.

You don’t have to carry it all alone. By prioritizing your wellness and nurturing all parts of yourself, you’re not just surviving—you’re creating space to truly thrive.