WELLNESS TECHNOLOGY
TALKING THERAPY
Without contradicting our previous tip and still
Within the black community, talking about
being strong advocates for reducing screen time,
mental health has often been a big taboo or seen
we know it is impossible to completely remove
as shameful. Whilst this is changing, we are still
tech. That’s where wellness technology comes in.
not as open about our mental health as we
According to The Global Wellness Summit,
should be. Instead of having honest discussions
placing our health at the center of how we use
we are often told to pray or worse, to “manage.”
tech can actually provide balance and improve
Evidence has shown that these methods are not
our overall health and wellness, as we can use
working. A 2019 article by Columbia University
tech to actively engage our minds and take care
found that black people were 20% more likely to
of our bodies. There are apps that monitor how
experience a serious mental health condition
we sleep, how we move throughout the day, what
such
we eat as well as our stress levels. Instead of only
comparison to those in the white community.
using tech to scroll the latest TikTok trend, use
Black people are also four times more likely to be
tech to positively enhance your health.
detained
as
severe
under
depression
the
mental
or
anxiety
health
act
in
in
comparison to our white counterparts. The Psychology Medicine journal also found that black people are more likely to develop post
As Michelle Obama would say, “let’s move”
traumatic stress disorder. These statistics are just some of the poor health inequalities that affect black people however
MICRO WORKOUTS
instead of suffering in silence or just “managing”
There are only 24 hours in the day but often we
there are options available to help with your
have 40 hours worth of tasks to complete and
mental health.
that doesn’t include exercising. Talking therapy is an excellent option to talk Evidence has shown many benefits of exercising
about the issues you are facing with a neutral and
such as improving heart health and reducing
non-judgemental professional that can provide
sugar levels. This is particularly beneficial for the
an alternative perspective to your concerns as
black community where diseases such as high
well as tailored advice. For black people we know
blood pressure and diabetes are highly prevalent.
that accessing traditional therapy has not always
Finding time for the gym daily can be difficult
been easy especially as many methods are
and activities such as walking instead of driving
tailored towards white Eurocentric communities
are great suggestions but may not always be
without inclusion of the cultural nuances that
possible which is why micro workouts are on the
affect black people however there are many
rise. According to Forbes, micro workouts remove
options that provide more culturally relevant
the barrier of finding time to complete a full
solutions. These include The Black, African and
workout and can be incorporated into your day to
Asian Therapy Network, Black Minds Matter UK,
day life. Activities such as a quick Soca or
Mendu, Rainbow Noir as well as Mind’s Young
afrobeats dance routine in the morning, a 10
Black Men program. Help is available and you
minute fitness challenge at lunch and Pilates or
shouldn’t be ashamed to access help. In seeking
stretching to wind down in the evening can
help, you can be as open or as subtle as you want.
contribute to improving your activity levels. Whilst
These services are confidential. Don’t worry about
micro workouts do not replace your usual
others finding out. If you need help, please get it.
workout routine, overtime they can have big
You don’t have to struggle or suffer in silence.
results. Plus a micro workout is better than no
Your best “soft life” self will thank you. If you are
workout. As Michelle Obama would say, “let’s
suffering from any mental health symptoms or
move.”
conditions, please seek medical advice. 20
