Generationally, African American culture has held onto the mantra of going above and beyond in work, sometimes even at the expense of their own health. In the lives of business owners and independent entrepreneurs, this can sometimes show us as chronic stress. Chronic stress is a health concern that has a higher likelihood to impact African Americans, and especially those under more rigorous life circumstances, such as being a business owner.
The stress surrounding being provided equitable opportunities and a ‘seat at the table’ causes a level of stress that even Founder of Uoma Beauty, Sharon Chuter, spoke about with her initiative Make It Black dedicated to providing funding for emerging Black-owned businesses as they find their founding and reclaiming the narrative around the word ‘Black’ as companies pulled back on their agendas in support of these brands. Chuter’s legacy will live on as supporters and consumers of her company follow the investigation surrounding her passing.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Black-owned businesses have experienced a surge in popularity and success. Across finance, cosmetics, technology, and other industries, they have managed to push through adversity while still overcoming the lack of financial support that is prevalent in the present day, with budget cuts and the defunding of programs. While rewarding at first glance, Black entrepreneurship has woes that can impact both the owner’s health and the health of the company’s employees. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine, a study revealed that almost 84% of African Americans recounted more stressful life experiences in comparison to White Americans.
Chronic stress is defined as a recurring state of feeling overwhelmed, pressured, or strained either physically or mentally over an extended period of time. Factors such as intergenerational trauma, lack of self-care and anxiety-driven circumstances are things that contribute to the increase of stress levels from acute to chronic. African Americans are also less likely to receive professional mental health support in comparison to other races. Yet, they have higher amounts of psychological stress, mental strain and stress-related health conditions such as hypertension and heart disease.
This type of stress shows up uniquely for each person, but the common traits of someone experiencing chronic stress include irritability, muscle tension, issues with adequate sleep, decreased energy, and even chest pain, to name a few. Systemic barriers and cultural factors are not stressors that are unique to just entrepreneurs, but rather ones across both the African and African American diaspora.
From a historical perspective, Black business owners have had their businesses stolen from them or, in some cases, were bought out due to a lack of resources and knowledge. Some will even go as far as ignoring their stress levels and replacing them with other activities, such as fitness or creative hobbies, to remedy the issue. Still, it is only putting a small band-aid on the larger injury at hand.
“Stress is one of the most underrated factors in training and recovery. Your body doesn’t distinguish between stress from work, relationships, money or even a tough workout — it all goes into the same bucket. When that bucket is overflowing, your body spends energy just trying to keep you functioning. That means less energy available to build muscle, burn fat, or bounce back from sessions,” Fitness Instructor and Founder of INNER U Bootcamp, Irving “Zeus” Hyppolite told EBONY.
Hyppolite continued to explain his in-depth work with his clients, many of whom are Black entrepreneurs themselves, including himself. “Entrepreneurship is 24/7, and simple things like eating three balanced meals or getting enough rest can easily get lost. Add to that the fact that Black communities disproportionately carry higher rates of hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease, and it’s clear why recalibration is so necessary,” he said.
To give entrepreneurs the tools and resources they need to manage their stress both during and post their workouts, Hyppolite hosted the INNER U WELLNESS FESTIVAL: The House Party last September in Brooklyn, New York, to provide a safe community space for accessible fitness guidance, mindfulness and good energy.
The risk of ignoring your stress levels is far higher than facing them head-on. The pipeline from burnout to business collapse is a reality that many business owners of color often fail to acknowledge. Personal health, whether on the employee or senior level, makes a difference in the efficiency of how a business runs. If you don’t show up as your best self in the workplace, then it is easy to feel disconnected from projects or put forth low effort towards the completion of tasks. While finding outlets to unwind and lower your stress levels on your own can be nice, leveraging programs that foster a sense of community and relatability can also help soothe stress.
Movement is one of the simplest ways to combat physical and health strains resulting from chronic stress. If you’re questioning where you stand with your stress levels to determine if you’re truly experiencing chronic stress, it is best to consult with a medical professional. Prioritizing one’s health is the puzzle piece that helps to push businesses forward and ensure that not only is the company flourishing, but so is the person at its helm.