Wellness
5 Ways to Practice Gratitude During a Time of Uncertainty
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As social distancing becomes the new norm, feelings of panic, fear, and uncertainty have manifested into MIA toilet paper and fighting over pasta sauce in the food isles. If there's one thing that's for sure, it's that no one knows what to expect—and we are all in an unprecedented situation that no one has faced before. But right now is the perfect time to practice a little bit of gratitude, happiness, and appreciation because we're all in this together.
Here are five easy ways to show thankfulness and kindness during these trying times.
Support small businesses.
Your neighborhood shops need your business more than ever right now. So how can you help? Get takeout from your local restaurants, pick up some caffeine at the corner coffee stand or check social media to see how you can support your favorite studio, instructor, stylist, nail salon, wellness practitioner, and more. You can also leave them a positive review on their online sites and let other people know how they benefit you (and what you love about them)! Show the businesses you understand why they are closing during the current economic climate and respond with kindness and patience.
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Support small businesses.
Your neighborhood shops need your business more than ever right now. So how can you help? Get takeout from your local restaurants, pick up some caffeine at the corner coffee stand or check social media to see how you can support your favorite studio, instructor, stylist, nail salon, wellness practitioner, and more. You can also leave them a positive review on their online sites and let other people know how they benefit you (and what you love about them)! Show the businesses you understand why they are closing during the current economic climate and respond with kindness and patience.
Tell someone you love them and appreciate them.
With social distancing, it is so important to communicate your emotions (especially the positive ones). Tell the people you love and care about how much you really do appreciate them. Connect with your friends and family on a virtual coffee date via Zoom, play online games, Facetime over dinner, or have an online happy hour with your crew. It may seem silly, but the more virtual social interactions we have, the less isolated we will feel—and the more grateful we are for the meaningful relationships in our lives.
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Tell someone you love them and appreciate them.
With social distancing, it is so important to communicate your emotions (especially the positive ones). Tell the people you love and care about how much you really do appreciate them. Connect with your friends and family on a virtual coffee date via Zoom, play online games, Facetime over dinner, or have an online happy hour with your crew. It may seem silly, but the more virtual social interactions we have, the less isolated we will feel—and the more grateful we are for the meaningful relationships in our lives.
Practice kindness to everyone.
...and trust us, you'll make someone's day brighter, including your own. If you are considered being at a lower risk for getting ill, especially right now, see if you can go out and get groceries or run errands for someone who is higher risk (think neighbors and family members in need). Before you're going to send that nasty work email to someone who hasn't responded, please take a moment and think about what could be going on in their lives. It pays to be kind to your co-workers. Working from home is a change for many of us. And if you're about to argue with someone over the last gallon of milk, acknowledge what we are going through, and approach the situation with kindness instead of fear.
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Practice kindness to everyone.
...and trust us, you'll make someone's day brighter, including your own. If you are considered being at a lower risk for getting ill, especially right now, see if you can go out and get groceries or run errands for someone who is higher risk (think neighbors and family members in need). Before you're going to send that nasty work email to someone who hasn't responded, please take a moment and think about what could be going on in their lives. It pays to be kind to your co-workers. Working from home is a change for many of us. And if you're about to argue with someone over the last gallon of milk, acknowledge what we are going through, and approach the situation with kindness instead of fear.
Self-care is gratitude, too.
Take this time at home to practice self-care and self-love with calming and mindful activities. It's the little things that count, right? Try making a DIY face mask, journaling your thoughts, cooking, or even coloring. Show your body that you're grateful for it by taking virtual fitness classes on Mindbody.io. Yoga, barre, stretching, strength training—many gyms and boutique fitness studios are moving to online workout classes (and so are some fantastic instructors). Showing yourself some care, love, and gratitude during this time will be vital in maintaining your overall health and wellness.
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Self-care is gratitude, too.
Take this time at home to practice self-care and self-love with calming and mindful activities. It's the little things that count, right? Try making a DIY face mask, journaling your thoughts, cooking, or even coloring. Show your body that you're grateful for it by taking virtual fitness classes on Mindbody.io. Yoga, barre, stretching, strength training—many gyms and boutique fitness studios are moving to online workout classes (and so are some fantastic instructors). Showing yourself some care, love, and gratitude during this time will be vital in maintaining your overall health and wellness.
Do something for your significant other and family.
Like most people, you are probably quarantined with your family or significant other. Raise your hand if you're WFH with your S/O, because these tips are *super* helpful. For some people, being home around your loved one(s) is incredible; however, for most of the world, it will be an adjustment having EVERYONE around 24/7. Did this house get smaller? Instead of getting frustrated about being stuck inside, take time to plan something special for your "roommates". Clean the house, give them alone time, or make a special dinner. It can be a huge adjustment, and nerves can run hot, so be careful of that when you are working from home and respect everyone's methods for handling it.
Gratitude is acknowledging both the good and bad things in your life and allowing yourself to be happy. Let's take this time to take a deep breath, not worry about our TP stash, and allow ourselves to think about the positive. Maybe we might learn to find growth and gratitude in this time of uncertainty.
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Do something for your significant other and family.
Like most people, you are probably quarantined with your family or significant other. Raise your hand if you're WFH with your S/O, because these tips are *super* helpful. For some people, being home around your loved one(s) is incredible; however, for most of the world, it will be an adjustment having EVERYONE around 24/7. Did this house get smaller? Instead of getting frustrated about being stuck inside, take time to plan something special for your "roommates". Clean the house, give them alone time, or make a special dinner. It can be a huge adjustment, and nerves can run hot, so be careful of that when you are working from home and respect everyone's methods for handling it.
Gratitude is acknowledging both the good and bad things in your life and allowing yourself to be happy. Let's take this time to take a deep breath, not worry about our TP stash, and allow ourselves to think about the positive. Maybe we might learn to find growth and gratitude in this time of uncertainty.
Beauty
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
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February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
