AWiB members came together for a revitalizing session on Stress Management, facilitated by Heran Tadesse,  co-founder of Regina Family Center, on October 4. The session offered a holistic exploration of stress, what it is, how it manifests in the body, and practical ways to release and manage it.

Participants began by understanding the psychology of stress and developing body awareness, identifying where tension is commonly stored, in the neck, shoulders, hips, back, chest, gut, heart, and legs. Heran guided members through various breathwork techniques, including calming breath, the rule of breaths, pumping breath, alternate nostril breathing, punching breathing, and a joyful laughing exercise, helping participants reconnect with their breath and ease both physical and mental tension. In pairs, members reflected on self-sabotage, exploring how they react when stressed and the strategies they use to find relief.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of nutrition and mindful eating, explored through an Afrocentric perspective, emphasizing balance and cultural grounding. Members learned about activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s natural self-healing mechanism, through practices such as meditation, yoga, exercise, journaling, and mindful realignment.

Key takeaways:

• Stress awareness begins with understanding the mind-body connection.
• Breathing techniques are powerful tools to restore calm and balance.
• Nutrition and mindful eating play a vital role in managing stress.
• Activating the parasympathetic nervous system supports self-healing.
• Practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling foster realignment and resilience.

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