This week, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Drennon keep it real about stress - what’s stressing them out right now, what research says are the “top” stressors in life, and what Black communities often carry that doesn’t always make the list. From racism and microaggressions to work-life imbalance, money pressure, major health conditions, grief, and breakups, they share practical ways to cope—without pretending the stress isn’t real.

What We Covered

• Why so many of us feel like we live in a perpetual state of stress

• The “top five” stressors in general vs. stressors that uniquely impact Black health

• Racism, anti-Blackness, and the daily stress of microaggressions

• Work-life balance, hustle culture, and why taking work to bed isn’t a flex

• Financial stress: small wins, saving strategies, and using your benefits (PTO + reimbursements)

• Health stress: the importance of preventive care, primary care, and bringing someone with you to big appointments

• Grief beyond death: breakups, losses, and unmet expectations

• Mental health support: therapy, medication stigma, and the role of movement, sleep, and self-care

Practical Takeaways (Do This This Week)

• Use “the pause.” Before you respond to an email, comment, or conflict—pause, breathe, pray, walk, reset.

• Take your PTO strategically. Stack PTO around holidays to get longer breaks with fewer days used.

• Check your benefits. Look for reimbursements, wellness perks, and hidden benefits (like roadside assistance).

• Move your body. Even 30 minutes can shift your mood and energy.

• Prioritize sleep. Stop trying to run on 3–4 hours—your body keeps receipts.

• Get preventive care. Don’t let fear or avoidance turn “what if” into a crisis.

If You Lose Health Insurance (Resources Mentioned)

• Special Enrollment Period: Losing a job is a qualifying life event (typically 60 days to enroll).
• Marketplace: https://www.healthcare.gov

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (sliding scale): https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

• Ask for the cash price. Providers often have a cash rate and can share programs or options if you ask.

• Payment plans: Hospitals and many providers may offer payment plans (urgent care often does not).

Calendar + Community Shoutouts

• National Pharmacists Day: Pharmacists can do more than fill prescriptions—immunizations, screenings, chronic disease support, and medication guidance.

• Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day: Celebrating 113 years of scholarship, sisterhood, and service.

Herbal Tea Segment (Turning “gossip” into something beneficial for the community)

• The “psychosis of critique”: when commentary crosses into name-calling, bullying, and pulpit policing

• Can we still receive critique in love—and keep disagreements civil?

• A reminder to take accusations seriously while maintaining “innocent until proven guilty”

Next Week’s Topic

Maternal Health (and yes—men should tune in too).

Send Us Your Questions

• Email: podcast@enjoylifemoreabundantly.com
• Text/submit: enjoylifemoreabundantly.com/podcast

Subscribe + Share

If this episode helped you, share it with someone you love—and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week.

In our very first episode of Life More Abundantly, Dr. Eboni Haynes and Dr. Tynisha Camae Drennon pull up a chair and introduce what this podcast is really about: talking Black health the way we talk about everything else—real, out loud, and with love… with receipts, not rumors.

We share how this podcast came to be, why “Life More Abundantly” matters (yes, John 10:10—but we’re not here to be churchy), and how faith, culture, and community shape the way we care for our bodies, minds, relationships, and everyday choices.

Then we get into the new year energy: what Americans say their 2026 resolutions are, what’s actually realistic, and why “small wins” might be the most powerful health strategy you try this year. We talk Atomic Habits, tiny upgrades that stick, and how your environment can either support your goals—or sabotage them.

Next up: a decluttering rundown inspired by a “start the year lighter” list. If you’ve ever said “I’ll do it later,” this part is for you.

In our Community Calendar segment, we spotlight International Quality of Life Month and do a quick, no-shame check-in to help you figure out what area of your life needs attention first—energy, stress, support, purpose, boundaries, or security.

And of course… we sip a little “Herbal Tea” — not gossip for gossip’s sake, but trending topics that open the door to real conversations about values, public perception, and community well-being.

Next week, we’re going deeper into stress—because whew… we all feel it.

Send your comments/questions to: podcast@enjoylifemoreabundantly.com and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s next.