Combating racial injustice and police brutality is not an easy fight, and it can take a significant toll on your mental health. In a video posted to her Instagram Tuesday night, Tracee Ellis Ross reminds her followers to take a breather when necessary and practice self-care amid this important movement. The Black-ish actress shared the three breathing exercises she relies on to “connect [herself] to the present moment” and “create space in [her] body.”
“We have a movement to hold and guide us. But, it’s a lot to feel and hold for the body and spirit.”
“As these necessary tectonic shifts are happening in our world and as we are leaning into difficult, complex and sharp yet necessary conversations, we must also be active about our self care.” Tracee wrote in her caption. “We are at the beginning of transformation. And we have a movement to hold and guide us. But, it’s a lot to feel and hold for the body and spirit. We want to honor where we are and also be able to lift up and through.”
In the relaxing six-minute video, Tracee walks through three simple, gentle exercises, including allowing yourself to just sit and close your eyes, feel the weight of your body, and exhale deeply with sound. She explained that as she personally felt “disrupted in her nervous system” and “so easily knocked off [her] center,” these breathing techniques proved to be helpful for her.
Tracee’s soothing post serves as a reminder to be mindful of your mental health and be kind to yourself. “Allow your softness to offer frequency out into the world that can help to support this movement, this uprising towards a better world and a better country,” she said to conclude her video, which you can watch below. If you’re looking for a Black mental health professional, here’s a helpful resource to guide your search.