🖤 Black Woman, You Deserve to Breathe

Proactive Wellness Strategies for Black

Women Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Let’s get real. You are brilliant. Ambitious. Resilient. You’ve survived and succeeded in spaces never designed with your peace in mind. But lately, the overwhelm has been creeping in. That tired isn't just physical—it's soul deep. And it’s time we said enough.

At the Black Women’s Wellness Collective, we know burnout isn't just about being busy—it’s about being burdened by invisible expectations, cultural pressure, and that “strong Black woman” mask that keeps us performing when we’re running on fumes.

So here’s what we’re doing instead:

 We’re getting proactive—not reactive—about our wellness.

 We’re choosing rest, community, and liberation as our strategy.

 And we’re inviting you to do the same.

 Your First Minute Matters

Your day doesn’t start when the alarm goes off—it starts with how you feel. The First Minute Framework teaches us to begin with alignment. Try this:

🧘🏾‍♀️ First-Minute Morning Practice:

• Breathe: 3 deep intentional breaths

• Affirm: “I am allowed to protect my peace.”

• Check-in: “How am I really feeling, and what do I need today?”

This simple shift rewires your day, boosts clarity, and reinforces that you matter before your to-do list does.

8 Ways to Stay Proactive with Burnout,

Not Just Reactive

These Uncopiable Strategies help you break up with chronic stress:

1. Create a Rest Ritual You Don’t Break for Anyone

Set a time daily to just BE. Light a candle. Put on soothing music. Turn off the noise. Rest is your birthright, not a reward.

2. Design a Weekly “No Commitments” Block

This is a sacred time when you don’t do anything for anyone else. You don’t cook, you don’t fix, you don’t schedule meetings. You just exist in ease.

3. Build Your Burnout Toolkit

Create a “Reset Box” with:

• Herbal teas

• A playlist that lifts you

• Essential oils

• A cozy blanket

• A journal with your favorite prompts

Use it when you start to feel overwhelmed.

4. Use the 3-Part YES Filter

Before saying yes, ask:

• Does this align with my values?

• Will it deplete or energize me?

• Am I saying yes because of pressure or power?

5. Take Micro-Rest Breaks

5 minutes. Eyes closed. Stretch. Breathe. Hydrate.

 Repeat 3x daily.

6. Unplug with Purpose

Try a 2-hour “tech sabbath.” No email. No scrolling. Just you and stillness. Your nervous system will thank you.

7. Outsource Something. Yes, Really.

Get groceries delivered. Hire help if you can. Ask your homegirl to grab the kids. Don’t do it all just because you can.

8. Plan Your Next Escape

Book time away before you need it. Whether it’s a solo daycation or an intentional wellness retreat, schedule that reset like your life depends on it—because it might.

💡 Resource Corner: Tools to

Support Your Wellness Journey

Here are some Black woman-centered resources to fuel your healing:

• Nap Ministry’s Book: Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

• Playlist: "Black Girl Rest Vibes" on Spotify or Apple Music

• App: Shine – meditation & mental wellness for BIPOC folks

• Journal Prompt: “Where have I been overgiving—and what can I lovingly release?”

☕ Let’s Talk About It in Sisterhood

You weren’t meant to do this alone. Come connect with a community that gets it and is walking this path with you.

✨ Here’s What’s Coming Up for You:

Get Your Free 5 Steps to Align Your Money, Mindset & Self-Care Guide.

🧳 FREE Viago Travel & Wellness Webinar

Discover how travel can be a radical act of self-care and learn how to make it affordable, accessible, and aligned with your goals. 

👉Reserve Your Spot Now

💭 Reflection for You:

Take a moment. Breathe.

Now ask yourself:

• Am I surviving... or am I thriving?

• What would my life feel like if rest was built in, not squeezed in?

• What’s one small thing I can let go of this week to reclaim my peace?

You are not your burnout. You are not your inbox. You are not your productivity. 

You are worthy of ease. You are worthy of joy. You are worthy of support. Let us walk this journey with you.

With deep care and community, 

🖤 Princella Lee, LMSW Founder, Black Women’s Wellness Collective Licensed Master Social Worker | Thrive Strategist | Sister in the Journey

P.S. If this newsletter spoke to you, forward it to a fellow sis who needs the reminder. Rest is contagious—let’s spread it far and wide. 💌