Ep 2: Stressed Out: Surviving Stress, Strengthening Self-Care, and Staying Sane

This week, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Drennon keep it real about stress - what’s stressing them out right now, what research says are the “top” stressors in life, and what Black communities often carry that doesn’t always make the list. From racism and microaggressions to work-life imbalance, money pressure, major health conditions, grief, and breakups, they share practical ways to cope—without pretending the stress isn’t real.What We CoveredWhy so many of us feel like we live in a perpetual state of stressThe “top five” stressors in general vs. stressors that uniquely impact Black healthRacism, anti-Blackness, and the daily stress of microaggressionsWork-life balance, hustle culture, and why taking work to bed isn’t a flexFinancial stress: small wins, saving strategies, and using your benefits (PTO + reimbursements)Health stress: the importance of preventive care, primary care, and bringing someone with you to big appointmentsGrief beyond death: breakups, losses, and unmet expectationsMental health support: therapy, medication stigma, and the role of movement, sleep, and self-carePractical Takeaways (Do This This Week)Use “the pause.” Before you respond to an email, comment, or conflict—pause, breathe, pray, walk, reset.Take your PTO strategically. Stack PTO around holidays to get longer breaks with fewer days used.Check your benefits. Look for reimbursements, wellness perks, and hidden benefits (like roadside assistance).Move your body. Even 30 minutes can shift your mood and energy.Prioritize sleep. Stop trying to run on 3–4 hours—your body keeps receipts.Get preventive care. Don’t let fear or avoidance turn “what if” into a crisis.If You Lose Health Insurance (Resources Mentioned)Special Enrollment Period: Losing a job is a qualifying life event (typically 60 days to enroll).Marketplace: https://www.healthcare.govFederally Qualified Health Centers (sliding scale): https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.govAsk for the cash price. Providers often have a cash rate and can share programs or options if you ask.Payment plans: Hospitals and many providers may offer payment plans (urgent care often does not).Calendar + Community ShoutoutsNational Pharmacists Day: Pharmacists can do more than fill prescriptions—immunizations, screenings, chronic disease support, and medication guidance.Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day: Celebrating 113 years of scholarship, sisterhood, and service.Herbal Tea Segment (Turning “gossip” into something beneficial for the community)The “psychosis of critique”: when commentary crosses into name-calling, bullying, and pulpit policingCan we still receive critique in love—and keep disagreements civil?A reminder to take accusations seriously while maintaining “innocent until proven guilty”Next Week’s TopicMaternal Health (and yes—men should tune in too).Send Us Your QuestionsEmail: [email protected]/submit: enjoylifemoreabundantly.com/podcastSubscribe + ShareIf this episode helped you, share it with someone you love—and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week.