Hey Girlfriends!!! Do you encounter negative stress daily? Are you confronted with difficult people or challenging situations? Is someone or something getting on your “last nerve?” Do you struggle to keep your head above water?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are at risk of developing heart disease.

Ladies…Did you know that stress is one of the biggest risk factors of heart disease? Heart disease is killing women of color daily and we need to do something about it! It is suggested that we carefully monitor our physical health but what about our mental health? Women of color have a history of ignoring their emotional and psychological health and that has to change NOW!!

The best way to positively make this change is to incorporate stress management techniques into your daily lives.

Below are several stress management techniques that could save your life!

1. Take advantage of free health screenings offered at various locations in the community. These services may be offered at conferences, pharmacies, schools, and community centers.
2. Attend conferences, workshops and speaking events within your community that address women’s issues such as “The Gathering” or the “Women of the World” conference.
3. Set limits and boundaries. NO means NO!! Stop and ask yourself “If I were not available, what would your family, friends and co-workers do? Ultimately, they would find their own solutions.
4. Ask others for help when you need it. Examples may include childcare, time alone, a shoulder to cry on, good advice or a listening ear.
5. Find a peaceful place to relax. Some suggestions include a park, the lakefront, a pet shop, a walk
   through a peaceful neighborhood, or your bathtub.
   Enjoy a “Girlfriends Weekend” or a “Girlfriends Night Out”! You can have a “Girlfriends Pajama Party” at any age!!
6. Celebrate your DIVA!! Change your hairstyle, purchase a few new items for your wardrobe, experiment with new make-up or fragrances found at your local drug store, or treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. YOU DESERVE IT!!
7. Get rid of clutter in your life! If you don’t need it…toss it! Give unwanted items to a women’s shelter, a church or a charitable organization. These goods will benefit other women and assist them in improving their lives as well.
8. Learn to laugh at yourself! Our own family and friends can be the greatest source of humor!! The experts did say that laughter is the best medicine.
9. Seek comfort and solace in your spirituality.

These stress management techniques are a great start for a healthy heart!!

Lia Knox Ivey, Ph.D., LCPC
Psychologist Behavioral Health Consultant