Creating New Habits Takes Time
For 2021, This is My Brave is excited to announce the second annual Brave the Storm 5K virtual event. This year’s event will take place the weekend of June 11-13. We’re building on the success of last year’s inaugural run so, for 2021, we want to create momentum leading up to the event. That’s why we are encouraging all of you to sign up today to join us. When you do, we hope that you will also commit to getting active / staying active NOW when we need it the most — in the winter months of the pandemic.
Each month leading up to our Brave the Storm 5K weekend in June, we plan to feature a Brave alum who will share their own story of how physical movement has helped their mental health. We hope you find these posts to be a source of encouragement for you as you undertake the Brave the Storm 2021 challenge.
For this blog post we are pleased to share a Q&A with Jenn and This Is My Brave Washington DC 2018 alumna T-Kea Blackman.
Jenn: When did you decide to make regular exercise a priority for your mental health?
Kea: I was at my heaviest weight of 239 pounds and when I was depressed I ate food to cope. But I made the decision to have gastric sleeve surgery to help jumpstart my weight loss journey. I knew that the surgery was only a tool and I would have to change my eating habits and workout. I also removed meat from my diet and became pescatarian.
Jenn: What’s your favorite time of day to workout?
Kea: I prefer to workout early in the morning. I worked out between 5am and 7am for one hour Monday through Friday.
Jenn: How did you find your workout buddies?
Kea: I became a part of an all women’s gym and they are the most supportive group of women. I have never been a part of a gym like this before. The gym is a small tight knit community so everyone knows each other. The instructors and gym members are loving and supportive. They will even text or call me when they haven’t seen me at the gym.
Jenn: What advice do you have for someone who hasn’t worked out in awhile (or ever) on how to get started incorporating movement into their daily routine?
Kea: If you haven’t worked out in a while or ever, start off small by walking outside for 30 minutes a day or at home if you feel uncomfortable going to the gym. You can also find beginner workout videos on youtube that you can follow. Find something you enjoy so it doesn’t feel like a workout such as dance or playing a sport. It takes time to create new habits so come up with a plan and set realistic goals. It is also easier if you have someone who can join you, hold you accountable and support your decision to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Jenn: What are the benefits to staying active?
Kea: Exercise has many benefits especially if you struggle with depression and anxiety. When you exercise your body releases endorphins which is the “feel good” chemical so it improves your mood. It reduces stress and anxiety, helps you sleep better, gives you an energy boost, allows you to gain confidence and overall is a healthy coping skill.
Jenn: What helps you stay motivated?
Kea: Remembering how far I’ve come keeps me motivated. I am not at my ideal weight but I continue to work toward it. I am excited about reaching my goal but I know that I will have to continue to workout and have a well-balanced diet to remain healthy. I take pictures of my progress and of course, the women at my gym encourage me when I get off track and feel discouraged.
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About the Author: T-Kea Blackman, MPS (also known as Kea) is a mental health advocate, speaker, and author. She is the creator and host of the Fireflies Unite Podcast, a weekly podcast dedicated to bringing light into darkness (just like the fireflies) by sharing the stories of individuals thriving with mental illness within communities of color despite the disadvantages and racism that negatively impact their mental health.
Described as an inspiration, her heartfelt and powerful story is a testament that anyone can thrive despite having a mental illness. T-Kea was diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorders and is a suicide survivor. She previously worked in the television industry as a publicist and production/talent coordinator.
T-Kea’s articles have been published on The Mighty, Urban Faith, Blavity, and 21 Ninety. Making a digital footprint, her articles have garnered over 50,000 views and encouraged individuals to seek treatment. T-Kea wrote her first book, Saved & Depressed: A Suicide Survivor’s Journey Of Mental Health, Healing, & Faith to educate her community on mental health and also to encourage them to seek treatment.
Check out T-Kea’s original performance on the Brave stage in April 2018 here. To Follow T-Kea’s journey and listen to her podcast, visit www.firefliesunite.com and connect with her @firefliespod on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
JOIN us for Brave the Storm 2021 and let’s get active together for mental health!
