According to the dictionary, wellness is defined as “the state of being in good health.” Admittedly, I forgot how simple a concept this is since the word “wellness” has been co-opted by an overwhelmingly wide range of brands and influencers in recent years. So much so, that whether it’s food, feminine hygiene, a workout, or even a beauty product, its true meaning gets lost in the sauce as I familiarize myself with the neverending list of products and people making things that are meant to cater to our bodies and/or minds. It’s only when I come across Black-owned wellness brands that I’m reminded of just how simple and necessary optimal health (both mentally and physically) is.

As a Black woman, wellness is more than a concept. It often feels like a means of survival. I’ve yet to live in a world where the cards aren’t stacked against me. Equity feels like an uphill battle that will never end and as a beauty expert, it seems I’m never done being outraged at an inevitable ad or fashion show committing some form of cultural appropriation. Taking care of myself inside and out is a reminder that investing in others and to be honest, simply existing, requires I pour into myself first. For me, that includes therapy, ample Facetime with friends and family, sleep, hot baths, and more sleep.

But as far as my spending dollars are concerned, I know that when my purchase is for a Black-owned wellness product, it was probably made by someone with shared experiences. Not only does that make me feel supported in a sense; it also makes investing in their product that much more gratifying. With that being said–and in the name of anti-racism–I’m showing love to just 12 of many, many Black-owned wellness brands that will feed your mind, body, and soul. From kitchen spices to period underwear to tea, any of these brands will take your self-care routine to new heights.

Source: Instagram

Private Packs

Do you experience pain in your nether regions due to yeast infections, sexual intercourse, STIs, vaginal dryness, waxing or more? These hands-free, portable, cordless and reusable packs deliver cooling or warming relief…and they’re eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.

Source: Instagram

Ivy’s Tea

From the quippy names to the wide assortment of hot and cold blends to the beautiful “Trap China,” what isn’t there to love about this herbal loose leaf tea brand?

Source: Instagram

Black Girl in Om

I’ve been following this digital space for years and learn something new every time I tune into a podcast episode, meditation, or Twitter chat, all of which are crafted to foster empowering soul work for Black women.

Source: Instagram

Golde

By now, you probably know that this brand’s founder is the younger Black founder to have products sold in Sephora. Besides her superfood-enriched skincare masks, there are also drink blends that you definitely shouldn’t sleep on.

Source: Instagram

RubyLove

I’ve been using period underwear for a couple of years now, but I won’t deny that they can get really pricey. Not only does this Black-owned brand offer an impressive range of underwear styles (and swimsuits!); the prices are amazing, too.

Source: Instagram

The Honey Pot Co.

Find this feminine hygiene brand at your local Target and stock up on sensitive washes, wipes, pads, and more.

Source: Instagram

Mama Glow

For mamas-to-be looking for a doula or people who want to explore doula training, this renowned brand is a go-to for resources and mama-friendly products.

Source: Instagram

Noirebud

The CBD industry is notoriously white-washed, but Black-owned labels like Noirebud are shaking the table with oral drops and other CBD-infused beauty products.

Source: Instagram

HealHaus

This Brooklyn-based wellness destination is getting worldwide recognition for its online workshops and daily yoga/meditation events.

Source: Instagram

Essie Spice

If stay-at-home orders have turned you into an amateur chef, literally spice up your cooking routine with any of these blends inspired by international destinations.

Source: Instagram

GoDeep

These protein powder blends were created by a stay-at-home mom whose own journey back to optimal health after beating an addiction inspired each product.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Society today is all about giving. Giving your time to a job, offering resources to a cause, giving your attention to the needs of family and friends. And while these things can be rewarding, it leaves little time for us to focus on our own needs.

I often tell family caregivers that self-care is not just going on a spa day once a year or the occasional break away to get their hair done or to buy a new outfit. Self-care needs to be a daily practice to feel as rested and good about ourselves as we can be.

Yes, finding an hour in a busy day can seem like an impossible feat, but you most likely are already doing this. Are you spending an hour watching TV? Or maybe catching up with friends on Facebook? This hour is the best time to start introducing a self-care routine.

Start an Exercise Practice

Incorporating an exercise practice can be challenging. Regardless of knowing all the excellent benefits, it is the getting up and going part that can be difficult. Especially if you are tired from your busy schedule.

Being mindful of the type of exercise practice that works best for you is critical to the success of starting a practice. So many of us are taught that exercise is only for weight loss, when in fact it is so much more than that.

When starting a practice, be conscious of what type of goals you have in mind. Are you interested in building your strength? Or maybe better balance? Then perhaps a cardio exercise practice isn’t the best option for you, and you’d find a yoga practice easier to adopt.

Nothing is set in stone, so give yourself time to play and try a variety of exercise options so that you find the best one for you.

Start a Creative Project

I often thought that you had to be a good painter or drawer to be an artist, but I was wrong! There are so many ways to be creative. Writing, painting, or even gardening are all creative ways we can use to express ourselves.

Through a creative project, we get to know ourselves a bit better. We discover our likes and dislikes and even offer ourselves opportunities to mess up without fear of criticisms. Are you coloring outside of the lines? Who cares! The creative process is yours alone, and the freedom in that can be liberating!

Start Reading a Book

Sinking into a good book can be so relaxing! No matter the genre, spending time each day to read keeps the brain active and healthy.

Not one for reading? Try an audiobook that you can listen to while working on your creative project.

Use Your Imagination

Using our imagination is just something many of us don’t have time for in the busyness of day-to-day life. Daydreaming of an upcoming vacation is helpful, but it doesn’t allow you to play or be creative.

You don’t even have to have an artistic bone in your body. Just spending some time throughout the day using your imagination is a fun way to keep the mind active.

Have a Conversation

Do you ever find yourself in a conversation only discussing the day’s tasks you did or did not accomplish? Or considering the latest news headlines?

While these topics have their time and place, they don’t take you away from your daily routine and can even cause you more anxiety.

Becoming purposeful in our conversations may sound easy, but it can be difficult to break away from our routines. Try instead discussing an interesting article you read on Sixty and Me. Or brainstorm ideas for your creative project.

Conversations bring us closer to those we engage with and keep the mind active and stimulated, which can be a rewarding and relaxing experience.

Try Meditation

Meditation is an incredible tool for stress release and mindfulness. While sitting quietly can be difficult at first, over time you will find that your body will welcome the respite from daily concerns and an overactive mind.

Even if it is only for five minutes, giving your mind a rest is one of the best relaxation techniques.

You Deserve It!

It doesn’t matter how you decide to spend time on yourself – what matters is that you do. It is too easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life, and while a focus on others is essential and encouraged it can sometimes add to your stress.

The best way to take care of others is to take care of yourself first. You deserve it!

How are you planning to take care of your own needs this year? What things do you to do make yourself feel positive and confident? Please share your favorite activities and practices that take care of your well-being.

It’s a big digital world out there, and it can be scary. But it doesn’t have to be. Arm yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself and be proactive. Online safety is in your hands.

Keeping Your Device Secure

Have you ever lost your phone or iPad? Whether it was just for five minutes or it completely disappeared, you know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. It’s not fun.

Fortunately, manufacturers have set-up their devices to keep your information safe, but it’s up to you to take the time to set up device security.

The most important thing you can do to help ensure your phone is secure is setting up a passcode. While the idea of having to enter a passcode seems like a bother, the physical reality is that we are talking fractions of a second to enter the password.

These days you must deliberately ignore several warnings to get out of setting a passcode. The system software tells you in no uncertain terms that you need to think hard a few times if you are going to refuse to set a passcode.

In the Passcode setup process, you will be prompted to set-up a six-digit numeric code. For iPhones, there is the option to switch to four-digits, or to use a custom numeric or alphanumeric code. Security researchers all say the longer the passcode, the better.

During the passcode setup, make sure you enable the option to erase the device after ten failed passcode attempts. Don’t let the fear of forgetting your passcode deter you from using one. After a week or less it becomes second nature.

In case you have any issues, there will be numerous times to remember your passcode as the software forces you to wait a minute, three minutes, fifteen minutes, an hour, etc. after erroneous entry before the phone erases itself.

Make Sure You Have Automatic Backups Turned On

Should the phone wipe itself, you will be able to restore it with an iCloud or iTunes backup. Which is why you need to have your automatic back-ups turned on.

If you have a generation 5S iPhone or later you can also set up Touch ID, or if you have an iPhone X, Face ID. Biometrics offer an alternative to inputting the passcode to unlock your device, log in to or purchase apps, and use Apple Pay. They are both easy to set up within the passcode section of Settings.

Passcodes and Remote Tracking Increase Security

Having a passcode on your phone significantly increases the security of your device. Not only does it help keep out people who shouldn’t be on your phone, but it also allows you a measure of control if it is ever lost or stolen.

In conjunction with securing your device with a passcode, many providers offer remote tracking that allows you to see the location of the device, remotely lock it, wipe it, and even post a phone number to assist with its recovery.

Apple has the “Find My Phone” app that makes it easy to track down if you have the setting turned on. To use it open Settings>AppleID>iCloud>Find My iPhone. Enable location tracking, as well as “Send Last Location.”

With these settings turned on, you can log into your iCloud account on a Mac or PC or use the “Find My Phone” app on another iPhone or iPad, to see where your device is on a map. If the battery died, it would provide the last location before the phone went offline, if it had an active internet connection.

Finding a Lost Phone

If you can’t locate the device, the following options are available:

Play a Sound

If the device is near you, but you don’t see it, you can have it play a sound to help you track it down.

Lost Mode

If you can’t find the device, you can turn on Lost Mode and lock it with your passcode, as well as add a message on the lock screen with your phone number in case someone finds it.

Erase

If you believe your phone is irretrievable, you can erase it. Keep in mind if you do this you will not be able to track the phone. If you do find it, you can restore the phone with your last backup without any problem.

Google and Apple also offer two-factor authentication to boost security. With Two-Factor Authentication, after you sign in on a new device, you are required to enter a 6-digit code sent via text, an app, or email.

Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security in case someone is trying to log into your account from a different location.

Email Safety Best Practices

Hackers have discovered creative and deceptive ways to wreak havoc with email. Following simple guidelines to protect your account and private information will keep your account safe.

Protect Sensitive Information

First and foremost, never send sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, or your Social Security Number in an email, or attached in a document to an email.

This applies to tax documents, credit card authorization forms and the like. Use file encryption services or text using services that are encrypted (Apple Messages, Viber, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram).

Choose a Trusted Email Provider

Use email providers that are reputable and have a good track record with security and encryption services, such as Google’s Gmail.

Securing Your Account

While using a unique, 12+ character password will help keep hackers out of your account, it is best to add another layer of security to your email with two-factor authentication, as discussed above.

Attachments and Links

Email attachments and links can leave you open to being hacked, or infect your computer with malware, spyware or viruses. Be cautious about opening attachments from others. It’s generally safest not to open any attachment you were not expecting, or that is out of the ordinary.
Never click on a link from a vendor or service that says you need to change account information. Go directly to the website, log into your account or find a customer service number to inquire if there are problems with your account.

In addition to these tips, be aware of telephone scams and pay attention to media reports of breaches in security for companies. Remember you are responsible for your online safety.

Have you ever had any scary security issues? Have you clicked on a link in an email you shouldn’t have, or answered a telephone call and given out private info? Tell us your story, good or bad, to help others learn from your experience.

Stephanie Hollman’s Yellow Printed Shorts on Instagram

Real Housewives of Dallas Instagram Fashion 2020

According to Instagram Stephanie Hollman celebrated her 40th(!) birthday over the weekend by having a relaxing getaway with Travis to a remote, $1,800 a night before taxes (yes I looked it up) luxury resort on the Utah/Arizona border called Amangiri. Which we have a feeling we’ll never be able to afford to stay at if she keeps tempting us to buy her cute clothes like these yellow printed shorts, which needless to say totally get a five star rating from us. ★★★★★

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Bronx and Banco Shorts

Click Here to Shop Them in Red

Photo: @StephHollman

Originally posted at: Stephanie Hollman’s Yellow Printed Shorts