DaMindDoc

Strength is a beautiful thing. Resilience is inspiring. Overcoming adversity is empowering. But let’s be honest—just because we can face and conquer challenges every time they arise doesn’t mean it’s fun nor fair to do so every single moment of our lives.

We are strong, absolutely—but we are also human. And that means we deserve rest, the opportunity to pour back into ourselves, and the space to simply be. Because when we don’t allow ourselves those things, “being strong” becomes a hindrance rather than a motivator.

The Toll of Constantly Pushing (Dragging) Forward

When we exist in a constant state of stress—whether from personal struggles, systemic barriers, or generational hardships—it places our bodies in a continuous fight-or-flight mode. The sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our body’s stress response, becomes overactive, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion.

When this happens, we may experience:

• Increased fatigue and burnout
• Reduced productivity and a decline in the quality of our work
• An inability to be fully present in our lives and relationships
• Heightened emotional distress, making small obstacles feel overwhelming and unattainable.

Constantly having to “figure things out” is not just an inconvenience—it’s stressful. And the reality is, systemic inequalities and socioeconomic hardships disproportionately have and STILL DO affect Black communities, making stress a common, shared experience for generations. The saying “stress kills” isn’t just a warning or something we’ve heard our grandparents say; it’s a direct reflection of how stress-related illnesses disproportionately impact our people.

The Mind-Body Connection: When Stress Becomes More Than an Emotion

The mind and body are deeply connected. I highlight this a lot when I speak on studies related to somatic practices, or lead my yoga and breathwork classes. Simply put, our mental and emotional states directly influence our physical health. Chronic stress, worry, and anxiousness can all potentially lead to:

• High blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Sleep disturbances, insomnia, and chronic fatigue
• A weakened immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses
• Headaches, migraines, and digestive issues
• Worsening symptoms of pre-existing health conditions

And that’s just a shortened list. With that being said, think about the health struggles within our families, our communities, and even within ourselves. How many times have we seen loved ones suffer from conditions exacerbated by stress? How often have we ignored our own warning signs, brushing off exhaustion because we were “too busy to rest” or have that lingering obligation of “I have to figure this out“

The Problem with Glorifying Strength

Let’s be real: Having to be strong all the time is not a flex. It’s exhausting. The endless cycle of figuring out how to make ends meet, creating opportunities out of nothing, and constantly maneuvering through spaces that were never built for us is a burden that shouldn’t be romanticized.

And before anyone jumps in with “Well, that’s just life” or “That’s how life works”—let’s be clear. That narrative exists because we’ve been conditioned to believe it’s normal for us. While life presents challenges for everyone, Black people have faced compounded, systemic struggles for generations. The reality is, the world wasn’t designed for us to succeed at the same level–and most times it feels like not at all. The playing field has never been even. While some were handed silver spoons, we were handed plastic ones. While others walked on paved roads, we have had to carve out our paths and lay brick by brick on dirt roads. 

But acknowledging this reality doesn’t mean we accept it. It means we recognize the need for change—not just externally but within ourselves. And listen- I say all of this NOT to say go and “be weak.” We are all thankful for the internal resilience that’s weaved into our DNA. But it’s to say FIND BALANCE. It’s to say RUNNING ON “E” ALL OF THE TIME SHOULDN’T BE A NORM. It’s to say that your BEHAVIORS directly influences your HEALTH.

So, What Can We Do? 4 Tangible Ways to Combat Stress, Fatigue, and Burnout

1. Prioritize Rest & Recovery
   Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. — And I get it, this is easier said than done but there is a necessity to make time to slow down, breathe, and engage in activities that nourish your body and mind. Whether it’s taking a mental health day, practicing mindfulness, or simply allowing yourself to not be productive and actually be comfortable with that downtime is essential. Sometimes I even “rest
2. Practice Self-Compassion & Adjust Expectations
   Release the unrealistic expectation of having to “do it all.” Be kind to yourself by speaking to yourself with the same grace you give everyone else. Also, understand that slowing down is not failing nor giving up—it’s a necessary act of self-preservation.
3. Develop a Sustainable Daily Routine
   Structure can be a powerful tool against burnout. Creating a routine that includes designated time for work, rest, nourishment, and self-care can help reduce mental fatigue. Keep it flexible— because life happens— but having a general flow to your day to provide a sense of stability in uncertain times.
4. Incorporate Movement into Your Daily Routine
   Someway, somehow–DO IT! Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat stress and fatigue. Whether it’s something structured like yoga or weightlifting or something freeform like walking or dancing, movement helps regulate stress hormones and improves overall well-being. Even small, intentional moments—like stretching between tasks—can have a profound impact!

The Moral of the Story

We are powerful, but we are also human. The expectation to be strong at all time is unrealistic, damaging, and a cycle we must break. We must allow ourselves the space to rest, the freedom to seek support, and the right to exist without constantly fighting an uphill battle. Yes, we are resilient—but we also deserve peace. Define what that means for you, create that space, and visit it often.

With Love,

JC

**Looking for another source of guided movement & breathwork? Join my live Yoga Sculpt and Breathwork sessions on Mondays from 6:30cst – 7:30cst via zoom or if you are interested in private or group facilitation for breathwork feel free contact me by clicking the “Work with me” button!**