Dr. Brittany L. Bronson, Sr. Culture and Inclusion Consultant, PGW

In my work as a DEI practitioner, I’ve spent years helping organizations build more inclusive cultures. I’ve developed multi-year strategies, led courageous conversations, shaped policies, and designed dashboards to track progress—all with the goal of making workplaces more equitable. It’s work I love, and it’s deeply personal.

But no amount of experience or education can shield me from the challenges of living through this moment as a Black woman. I’m also a wife to a Black husband and the mother of Black sons. The recent executive orders and shifts in the political climate have left me worrying—both about the future of the work I do and the safety and well-being of the people I love most.

It’s a stressful time, to say the least. While I can’t change what’s happening in the world, I’ve realized that the best thing I can do right now—for myself, my family, and my community—is to prioritize my mental health. Here are a few things that are helping me stay grounded and find moments of joy, even amid chaos.

1. Treating Myself (Without Guilt)

I used to make my coffee at home every morning, but I recently reintroduced a weekly Starbucks treat into my life. It’s not just about the drink—it’s a deliberate act of indulgence that reminds me I’m worth the small joys. That overpriced latte is a tiny but powerful act of self-care.

2. Turning My Planner into a Vision Board

I went through the photos on my phone and printed out inspirational quotes, journal prompts, pretty pictures, and moments of joy featuring my family and friends. I scattered them throughout my planner, along with scriptures and motivational messages. Each week, I print and staple a photo into my planner to capture a moment that made me smile. Now, my planner isn’t just functional—it’s a personalized source of encouragement.

3. Committing to Home Projects

I needed to unplug from the constant stream of anxiety-inducing news, so I redirected my energy into two simple home projects: hanging pictures and managing the mess of cords around the house. These tasks might seem small, but they’ve become stress relievers, giving me something tangible and productive to focus on.

4. Being Vulnerable at Work

Sometimes, self-care means speaking up. I recently had a vulnerable conversation with my leader to share how I’ve been feeling. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I’ve learned that vulnerability is an act of strength, not weakness, and the support I received reminded me how crucial it is to be open about the challenges we’re facing.

5. Splurging on Joy

I splurged on tickets to see Kendrick Lamar. It felt indulgent at the time, but it was exactly what I needed. Sometimes, joy requires an investment, and experiences like that are worth every penny.

6. Taking My Vitamins

It’s a small but meaningful step: I’ve committed to taking my daily vitamins—women’s multivitamins, biotin, collagen, the works. Taking care of my physical health helps me feel more in control. (Of course, consult with your doctor first!)

7. No More Canceling Self-Care

No more rescheduling my massage. No more pushing back hair appointments. I’ve stopped compromising when it comes to my self-care. These appointments aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. Committing to myself in these small ways makes a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

Navigating this current climate is no easy feat, especially when you’re constantly balancing personal worries with professional demands. But if I’ve learned anything lately, it’s that prioritizing mental health isn’t selfish—it’s essential. These practices aren’t grand gestures, but they’ve helped me stay grounded during an otherwise overwhelming time.

To my fellow professionals: Find what fills your cup. You are worth every act of self-care, no matter how small.