Mental Health.
A popular subject since the onset of the pandemic & even more so this month since it’s mental health month. As Black and Brown people we recognize that we are impacted more so than your average due to the gross amount of racism and injustice that we face in our lives so it is our hope that mental health remains a popular subject.
We have to center us.
We must cherish us.
We must continue to hype each other up at every moment.
We are the only ones who will love and protect us to the fullest.
Each Fox 🦊 shares a little bit about what they do to support their mental health because we want all of us to thrive and win.
Will
I like to learn new things, doesn’t really matter what but the process & experience of finding out things new to me is peaceful. I most enjoy anything related to the insignificance of humanity though. (Space, time, size - ocean’s depth, sequoias etc) Documentaries are golden.
Fully engrossed in all things related to photography. Discovering and identifying how to capture the stories that are important to me. Not that I necessarily think others want to hear/see.
Solitude. This may be a solo walk/hike or sitting at my computer with headphones on and a several hours long playlist. But a complete cutoff from other humans is clutch.
My pets, specifically my dog Emoji. We don’t deserve animals, we truly aren’t worthy but the companionship they provide without ever speaking… magical.
Reading. Let your mind go, in a story. Yes a movie or series might also work but nothing like reading the story for yourself and letting your imagination play.
Nikki
DONUTS!!!
Taking a day to relax & recharge. I love watching cartoons and shows/movies I watched as a kid. It takes me back to my carefree childhood.
Bike therapy. Throwing a leg over your steed and hammering it out for a few hours. A little solitude is good for the soul.
Surround myself with positive and successful people to help me learn and push myself to be even better.
Music therapy. Dancing in the mirror and singing along is a great release of tension.
Driving around in the backcountry mountains while listening to music.
Treating myself with some retail therapy
Coloring while listening to meditation music
Sports and pressure point massage monthly
Raequan
I go on walks with my puppy Glacier.
I chill in a park with my mom and talk for hours.
I wheelie
I eat food from my favorite Black-owned business - Keiko’s Kitchen
Yoga
Hand out helmets! (My Fav)
Alexa
Treat myself to a delicious meal--either by cooking or getting takeout from a favorite spot
Giving my mother a call to catch up, gossip, and reflect on current events
Do a physical activity with a friend or two to vent our frustrations through sweat
Give to others through gifts or acts of service
Maintain boundaries physically and mentally in my interactions with others
Take time to reflect, acknowledge, and express gratitude
Marty
Surrounding myself with people who bring positivity into my life.
Getting out for solo rides. Sometimes being alone doing something I love helps to keep me balanced.
Putting my bike up on the stand and working on it. The focus.
I haven’t done it yet, but planning an IG fast soon.
Shequaya
I try to protect my peace by going on a bike ride where I do not have a real goal but maybe just a destination or a route that is just nice
Doing some crafts like sewing or something
Tinkering with my bikes i.e cleaning, organizing
Spending time with people that bring me joy
chillin out to watch tv/movies especially some scifi
Jalen
I go for walks around my neighborhood and nearby trails.
I journal every night.
I hype myself up in the mirror and sing my favorite songs to myself.
I reach out to friends and family on the regular.
I go for bike rides.
I look through old photos and reflect on fond memories.
I take 15-30 minute naps like every day.
Ayesha
Weekly therapy sessions
I go on walks with Will and Emoji, they usually have to pry me away from my work/ training, but it’s always worth it.
I watch mindless television just for kicks. Also, Grey’s Anatomy has been holding me hostage for 17 seasons now. That hospital is CURSED, but it often gives me a good cry which is an excellent release!
I listen to Music, Audiobooks, and podcasts!
I really enjoy online classes from places like Skillshare or Masterclass. Youtube has a lot of great free stuff too, and Coursera. I really enjoy watching people teach things they’re passionate about.
I ride a bike with no bike computer. A truly liberating experience since i’m training all the time.
I TAKE NAPS!