July-December 2020
MISSION
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation strives to empower community alliances, impact youth leadership, promote health and wellness, and strengthen family foundations through community development, entrepreneurialism, and education resulting in a wholesome community.
TFMJF NEWSLETTER
We are pleased to present the second Fan Connection of the year! The first half of 2020 is in the rear view, and even though the global pandemic is upon us, the core of our mission at The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation (TFMJF) remains unchanged. COVID-19 has temporarily halted our well-loved community events, but our ruthless efforts to empower community alliances, impact youth leadership, promote health and wellness, community development, entrepreneurialism, and education remains our priority.
One of the best opportunities for continuing our mission during these difficult times is through the TFMJF Fan Connection. We welcome readers to use it as a resource aimed to improve your lifestyle, educational opportunities offered virtually that will enhance your knowledge, exercise tips requiring minimal equipment, and ways to get involved within your local or global community. Applying some or all of the tips in this newsletter will bring about change in your daily routine. If you’re ready to develop healthier habits that will impact your mind, body, and soul, our newsletter is a great place to start!
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The rise of COVID-19 and its disruption of our lives over the last 6 months has forced us to cope with life’s uncertainties and adjusting to new norms, while being confined to our homes more than we’re all accustomed to. It has been a test of our physical health and mental well-being. However, only the most difficult challenges result in significant personal growth and purpose for brighter days ahead.
2020 has provided us with more time for self-evaluation and development, reason to make our health a priority, opportunity to discover our purpose, and appreciation of more of the simple things in life. Each day that we wake up gives us an opportunity to fulfill our dreams and execute our life’s work with love and passion. We don’t know the day or hour when things will bear a resemblance to life as we knew it, but until then our focus is on what matters, and refusing to take life for granted.
When the current state of affairs allows, the entire TFMJF team looks forward to joining with our families, friends, colleagues, and supporters to continue educating, leading, inspiring and making a positive impact, no matter the measure of the deed. Until we meet again, we offer each of you a virtual hug and ask that you continue to believe that the best is yet to come!
Sincerely,
EVENTS
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the lives and routines of people, businesses and non-profit organizations around the world, including The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation. Although our community outreach events have come to a halt for the foreseeable future, health and wellness continues to be a top priority. Explore our list of upcoming charity and wellness events that will take place locally, virtually or nationwide. In-person events that have been listed will follow current CDC and state-specific COVID-19 guidelines.
Upcoming Events:
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway: November 2020 (Date TBD)
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation and Mayweather Promotions will soon begin gearing up to present families in Las Vegas with the support they need around the Thanksgiving Holiday. It is our intent to move forward with hosting our Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, but the event details are subject to change due to the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are always seeking volunteers to help us fill and pass out Thanksgiving baskets filled with non-perishable dinner items and fresh turkeys. If you would like to volunteer at any of our upcoming events email contact@tfmjf.org. We look forward to having you join us in our efforts of empowering our community.
Upcoming Events in Las Vegas and Other Communities:
The Mass Meditative Initiative 2020: A Mindful Yoga, Music, Healing Arts, and Vegan Festival!
Saturday, October 10, 2020
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM PT
Los Angeles State Historic Park
1245 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Balance your mind, body and spirit at the Mass Meditative Initiative that will feature yoga, live musicians, art, and vegan cuisine.
Health and Wellness Expo
Saturday, October 24, 2020
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM PT
Santa Fe Station Hotel-Casino & Convention Center
4949 North Rancho Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89130
The Health and Wellness Expo has been an annual staple in Las Vegas for two decades. For top-notch health and wellness information look no further than the expo. Stay healthy and fit at home or in the workplace with the latest fitness, nutrition and technology tips from leading practitioners for free!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/las-vegas-health-and-wellness-expo-tickets-81152680853
Bike Around the Bay
Saturday-Sunday, October 24-25, 2020
Two Day Event
717 Logistics Drive
Baytown, TX 77523
Register today for Galveston Bay Foundation’s 14th Annual Bike Around the Bay on October 24 – 25, 2020. During the two day course, each rider will complete a 175-mile ride around scenic Galveston Bay. The proceeds go toward protecting this vital natural resource.
Harvest Your Soul
Saturday, November 7, 2020
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Triple Jump Fitness + Events
275B Marginal Way
Portland, Maine 04101
Get re-energized and ready to balance your body and life with life coach and fitness leader Kim DeMado. While you’re there, experience the awe-inspiring views off Maine’s coastline.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harvest-your-soul-live-2020-tickets-80940773031?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
YOUTH Mental Health First Aid: November 11, 2020 at ISK
Wed, November 11, 2020
8:15 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, Conference Rm. A
418 W. Kalamazoo Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Participants of Youth Mental Health First Aid will learn how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders. This course is FREE and open to the community.
Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike- Las Vegas
Sat, December 5, 2020
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
Battlefield Vegas
2771 Sammy Davis Jr. Dr
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Veterans, active duty, the National Guard, and reservists will gather together going on a hiking expedition in an effort to improve their mental health and prevent suicide. If you are not a veteran or active member of the military, your presence is encouraged during the initial festivities and at the designated stops during the hike to provide cheers and applause to participants along the way.
Upcoming Virtual Events:
Virtual Race: Champions for the Children 1M 5K 10K 13.1 26.2 -Las Vegas
August 20, 2020-November 7, 2020
More than 37 million people face hunger daily; 11 million are children. To combat that, Champions for the Children has teamed up with Mrs. Northern Virginia to raise money for Feeding America. 25% of each registration from the virtual race will be donated to Feeding America. Join Champions for the Children now to participate in a 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, or 26.2 race that supports the cause.
The Ultimate Nutrition Event
Tuesdays, October 6, 2020
7:30-8:30 PM ET
You are what you eat. Get educated about nutrition and leave the webinar feeling inspired. The Ultimate Nutrition Event hosted by yoga instructor Andrew Weingart will improve your mindfulness, and help you become the best possible version of yourself by watching what you put in your body.
Toys for Tots 5K Run
Monday, November 30, 2020
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT
Summerfest
200 North Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Toys for Tots at Summerfest is a 5K run Milwaukee, WI intended to raise money for children that are unable to receive toys this holiday season.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toys-for-tots-tickets-84788750435?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
A Day In the Life
Thursday, December 3, 2020
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
The Restoration House (The Village)
2205 Village Place Way
Knoxville, TN 37923
The Restoration House invites you into “A Day in the Life”, a monthly event that gives you the opportunity to walk in the shoes of low-income single mothers as they overcome statistics to fulfill their goals and dreams they never thought possible.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-in-the-life-tickets-30215370988?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
FIGHT FOR YOUR EDUCATION
With so many changes to primary, secondary, and higher education learning protocols as a result of COVID-19, it is our utmost priority to highlight students that have achieved academic excellence. Earlier this spring, the staff at The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation worked diligently to select recipients for the Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship. Narrowing down the list of accomplished applicants was tough, but we are happy to have chosen three incredibly bright young women. Additionally, we want to honor the students who made honor roll despite having to make adjustments to their daily learning routines while quarantined at home. It is our duty to continue fighting for education by encouraging students to excel in their studies and safely maintain involvement in extracurricular activities. As a foundation, we will also strive to combat school attrition and partake in or host events that provide children with the tools needed for a successful school year. Get to know our scholarship recipients and featured honor roll students by reading below.
Fall 2020 Scholarship Recipients
The Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship was created to aid women interested in furthering their education in an underrepresented professional industry. The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation honors women every fall and spring semester, and for Fall 2020 we’ve selected Niajah Johnson, Lily Sweet King, Taylor Jensen, and Lindsay Taele. Read more about the roads they’ve traveled to find their career of choice and the plans they’ve implemented to accomplish their goals. Visit www.tfmjf.org/scholarships for guidelines on how to apply for the Spring 2021 Advancement in Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship before the November 17, 2020 deadline.
Name: Niajah Johnson
College: Harris Stowe State University (St. Louis, Missouri)
Year in College: Junior
Major/Minor: Mass Communications/Pre-Law Concentration
Passion Statement: “When fear knocks let faith answer the door.”- Robin Roberts, Good Morning America
Niajah Johnson of O’Fallon, Illinois is a rising junior at Harris Stowe State University, located in the neighboring state of Missouri. In fifth grade, Niajah decided that she wanted to practice law. Since then, she’s ordered her steps effectively to make her primary goal of becoming a Sports and Entertainment Industry attorney a possibility. The first step toward reaching that goal was attending college. Early on, Niajah learned the importance of continued education and the impact it would have on her impending career choice. Already studying Mass Communications with a Pre-Law concentration in college, she’s been studying hard, applying herself academically, and getting involved in university activities and organizations that will strengthen her relationships in the field.
At Harris Stowe State University, Niajah is actively involved in Pre Law Society, Toastmasters, and is a founding member of the Grass Roots Law Project. Niajah also spends much of her free time volunteering; she is a previous recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award and enjoys volunteering during the election season at the polls. To top it off, Niajah also secured her spot on the Dean’s List and maintains a 4.0GPA.
Niajah’s greatest goal is to become a presiding judge at the state level. She’s given herself a decade to reach her goal and has already laid some of the groundwork to get there. Growing up in a military family has exposed Niajah to a wide variety of cultures and viewpoints, allowing her to learn firsthand how to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, her experience attending a HBCU has increased her confidence in herself and her cultural identity and has taught her to speak eloquently. While Niajah is well on her way to crushing her goals, here’s the advice she wanted to share with anyone seeking to follow her path: “ follow your dreams, don’t be close minded, explore possibilities, reach out and join organizations, and if possible, travel.”
Name: Lily Sweet King
College: University of Mississippi
Year in College: Junior
Major/Minor: Integrated Marketing Communications / Business Administration
Passion Statement: “Well behaved women seldom make history”
Lily Sweet King isn’t about making money; she wants to make a difference. Education remains a top priority, but her long term goals include immersing herself in the causes that she’s passionate about. Lily was taught to work hard, be kind, help others, and appreciate the differences displayed amongst citizens worldwide: ethnicity, race, religion, and opinion. It is at the University of Mississippi that Lily has not only embraced what she’s learned in life along her journey, but has also been given the opportunity to discover what she’s good at, determine her particular interests, and build the confidence she needs to tackle the needs of the many programs and organizations that fuel her fire.
Like her passion statement suggests, Lily believes that in order to do great things or be great, you have to take the lead and stand out from the crowd. Her leadership efforts have steered her in the direction of a service project called The Longest Table. The Longest Table is a place where everyone can come together, be themselves, and be respected for their differences. At the dinner table, the sole focus is conversing with one another on a deeper level without judgement. Lily founded the project at Ole Miss, hosted the inaugural event last year and hopes to do it again this school year.
We applaud Lily’s service to the community and desire to help break down barriers amongst students at classmates at the University of Mississippi. She has recognized the importance of sharing her gift of hospitableness with the world, starting with the community around her. Lily intends to make the world a better place, leaving it better than how she found it, and knows that her passion will make all the difference.
Name: Lindsay Taele
College: Brigham Young University
Year in College: 1st Year Graduate Studies
Major/Minor: Master of Mass Communications
Passion Statement: You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Go for it!
Brigham Young University graduate student Lindsay Taele refuses to be another statistic. From day one, Lindsay has acknowledged the existence of cultural and societal barriers but has not allowed them to prevent her from achieving her goals. Already equipped with an undergraduate degree, Lindsay is set on her next major task: finishing her master’s program at BYU. Upon completion of her Master of Mass Communications graduate program, Lindsay has plans to work for the National Football League. Her aim is to become a direct employee of the league or work for a specific football franchise as a creative director, producer, or marketing associate.
Lindsay knows that finding employment in the NFL is a tough feat. Lindsay is up for the challenge and is ready to become a trailblazer for other women who are also interested in working in a male dominated industry. Why the NFL you ask? Lindsay grew up in a house with three siblings (all boys) so naturally a love of sports comes easy. As a youth, Lindsay considered herself a tomboy and played many sports including swim, horseback riding, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and track & field. But her love for football grew, more so after her brothers started playing the sport. In fact, one of her brothers received a scholarship to play football for BYU and Lindsay’s husband is currently a member of the same football team. Her familiarity and family ties to BYU have afforded her opportunities to work directly with the football team, an experience that will prepare her for a future working in the NFL. Lindsay has also volunteered as a sports coordinator and youth mentor for her church, and interned for Park City Television, KUTV Channel 2 News (Salt Lake City) and the Utah Jazz.
Lindsay Taele is confident, goal-oriented, and ready for anything! She knows that anything worth having doesn’t come easy, and she’s willing to work hard to accomplish her goals. Lindsay watched her mother graduate from college while working full time and caring for her children. Her mother is further evidence that hard work and dedication pays off and gives Lindsay with the extra boost of confidence that she needs to keep reaching for the stars.
TFMJF “Honor Roll Spotlight”
Meet Kennedy Putman, Chase McCallum, Shon Akins, and Carlaye Dillard! These three shining stars have been chosen for our “Honor Roll Spotlight” which highlights the achievements of our youth. Our goal is to keep students motivated so that that they will continue striving for educational excellence while also remaining active in extracurricular activities. Their quest for knowledge is just beginning, but we hope that their enthusiasm for learning is never ending. Follow along as Kennedy, Shon, and Carlaye’s exude confidence in their educational efforts and share their goals for the future.
Kennedy Putman
Kennedy Putman is a rising sophomore at Lennard High School in Ruskin, Florida. Although graduation is still a few years away, Kennedy’s plan of action for the remainder of her secondary and higher education is in full effect. Read on to see how Kennedy manages a stellar 4.8GPA while also balancing ROTC and acting school.
Q: Is this your first-time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: No, I have been on the honor roll repeatedly since the 1st grade.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: Biology is my favorite subject because it comes naturally to me.
Q: What is your favorite book/series?
A: My favorite book is Night by Elie Wiesel, which is an autobiography about Wiesel’s experience with his father in the Nazi concentration camps.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: It’s easy for me to stay focused and motivated because I truly want to excel in education. With good grades I can get a 4-year scholarship to college. After graduating college, I plan to join the USAF as an officer. My goals further motivate me to stay on track.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?
A: I look to my mother as a role model because she helps me excel in every aspect of my life. She is a breast cancer survivor whose had a double mastectomy to prevent the spread of the disease throughout her body. My mom is also the strongest woman that I know. She’s a great role model who has taught me to put God first, refrain from condemning others, and avoid competing or comparing myself to anyone else.
Q: Are you involved in any after-school programs or sports, if so, what?
A: I am currently enrolled in ROTC and acting school.
Q: How do you juggle school and your after-school commitments?
A: Acting school doesn’t interfere with my schoolwork because we meet on the weekends, but I do work hard to juggle ROTC and other commitments, so my grades don’t slip. I know if that happens, my mother will make me stop all extracurricular activities.
Q: Do you have any other achievements or accomplishments that you would like to share with everyone?
A: One of my goals is to open a non-profit to help the homeless. Helping the homeless in the community is important to me.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not in school or studying?
A: My family and I enjoy are actively involved in feeding the homeless in Tampa on the weekends. As a family, we make it our goal to help others.
Q: Tell us something about you that we haven’t already asked you would like us to share with everyone.
A: I have been a member of the Jr. National Honor Society since the 6th grade and I am currently a member of my high school Honor Society. I am also enrolled in a dual program at Lennard High School and Hillsborough Community College that allows me to graduate from high school with a diploma and Associates degree.
Chase McCallum
Meet Chase McCallum, a multi-talented student athlete from Chicago, IL who now resides in Las Vegas, NV. He completed the 8th grade during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chase has always excelled in the classroom and has learned the importance of juggling academics and sports despite recent changes in the ‘normal’ classroom structure. Nonetheless, Chase took the changes in stride and completed the school year, and also had the opportunity to compete in a few AAU Track & Field meets including nationals! Chase has already begun his first semester as a freshman at Bishop Gorman High School, carrying with him the importance of working hard and maintaining good grades. We got a chance to catch up with Chase about his favorite subject, what keeps him motivated, and how he remained focused during the pandemic in our Honor Roll Spotlight feature.
Q: Is this your first-time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: I’ve been on the honor roll consecutively since I started middle school.
Q: What challenges did you face studying and accomplishing your schoolwork during COVID-19?
A: Having to work at home without a teacher or classroom setting with classmates to work and interact with was hard. I felt like I was teaching myself some things because we would only have limited time with the teacher online for each subject and everything else was done independently unless we scheduled an appointment with our teacher. It was very different and required more planning and organizing because being at home offered more flexibility, and there were also distractions at home that aren’t present in the classroom.
Q: Do you have any advice for other students who may face similar challenges?
A: Staying organized is key; everything else will just fall into place.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: My favorite subject in school in Science because I find it very interesting.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: Getting good grades helps me stay focused and motivated because I know I’m going to need good grades to get into college.
Q: As a student athlete, how are you able to juggle sports and academics?
A: I am able to juggle sports and academics by staying organized and prioritizing. If you stay focused on what’s important and keep things organized in school the results will come and once you see results, everything else is easy.
Shon Akins
9-year old Shon Akins of Southfield, Michigan excels in academics and sports, and makes it look effortless. A combined love of learning and basketball keeps Shon mentally and physically active. Learn more about what motivates Shon, who he considers his role model, and what keeps his interest when school is not in session.
Q: Is this your first-time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: No. I made honor roll each quarter for the entire school year.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: Math and science are my favorite subjects. Math is fun because I like using different objects at home or in the classroom to solve problems. Science allows me to perform cool hands-on experiments and learn about new topics like astronomy.
Q: What is your favorite book/series?
A: My favorite book series are My Hero Academia and Naruto. Both are Japanese manga series about superheroes and becoming a leader.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: My mom helps me stay focused on my schoolwork and everything in between.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?
A: My role model is Lebron James. When I grow up, I want to play basketball in the NBA and become successful. Lebron has shown by example what needs to be done to reach my goal.
Q: Are you involved in any after-school programs or sports, if so, what?
A: Yes, I play basketball, volunteer at school sponsored events, and participate in the yearly Black History program.
Q: How do you juggle school and your after-school commitments?
A: Homework comes first. If possible, I try to get ahead of my assignments if they are passed out in advance. This allows me to prepare to have all assignments completed so my basketball practices don’t get interrupted.
Q: Do you have any other achievements or accomplishments that you would like to share with everyone?
A: Not only am I an honor student, but I also received the Citizens Award and Perfect Attendance Award. During the basketball season, I was awarded the “All Around Sportsman” award for being an aggressive and hardworking basketball player but also for the compassion I have for my teammates. I always made sure they are doing ok.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not in school or studying?
A: When I’m not in school, I like playing with my friends on the PlayStation or spending time outside playing basketball with my friends and older brothers.
Q: Tell us something about you that we haven’t already asked you would like us to share with everyone.
A: I love traveling. My favorite place to go is Kalahari Resort in Ohio because I love playing in the water. I hope that my mom will be able to take me to Hawaii soon.
Carlaye Dillard
Carlaye Dillard has learned how to make lemons out of lemonade this year. A recent move from New York to Delaware has been a major adjustment, but despite the changes Carlaye is on the honor roll, has completed her freshman year of high school with a 4.0GPA, and has found after-school activities that she enjoys. Determined to make the best of her new surroundings, continue reading below about Carlaye’s love for dance, how doing well in school motivates her, and what sport she’d like to explore next.
Q: Is this your first-time making Honor Roll, if not, how many times have you made Honor Roll?
A: I have made honor twice since I began attending Dover High School.
Q: What is your favorite subject and why?
A: My favorite subject is Science. I find Science interesting because I get to learn about the world and its history beyond the surface. The thought of the world being completely made up of things we cannot see with the naked eye is intriguing.
Q: What is your favorite book/series?
A: My favorite book that I’ve read so far is the Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. I think Sister Souljah is an excellent author and I have enjoyed reading other books that she has written as well.
Q: What helps you stay focused & motivated in school?
A: What helps me to stay focused and motivated in school is avoiding distractions. It’s easy to avoid distractions when I keep to myself or at least make time for myself in an effort to improve my well-being. I also stay motivated by doing well in school. Doing well in school makes me want to keep attending and graduate, which is a major goal that I’ve set out to accomplish.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?
A: I have several role models in my life, but my mom is my number one role model. My mom is hard working, smart and driven. She always tells me to never give up and to focus on doing what I love.
Q: Are you involved in any after-school programs or sports, if so, what?
A: I am currently involved in after-school modern dance and a community-based African dance group. I love to dance and have been dancing since I was 7 years old.
Q: How do you juggle school and your after-school commitments?
A: I juggle both school and after-school commitments by finding balance between the two. First and foremost, I prioritize what’s important and schedule my activities around that.
Q: Do you have any other achievements or accomplishments that you would like to share with everyone?
A: I don’t have any previous achievements to share, but I would like to complete driver’s training this year so I can get my license and my ultimate goal is to graduate from high school. Both are equally important to me because both will help me get ahead in life.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not in school or studying?
A: When I am not in school, studying, or participating in after school activities, I enjoy spending time with my family. I don’t get to see my dad much because of the recent move, so I spend my summers at his home. There I get to spend time with my grandmother, older sister, cousins, three aunts, and friends.
Q: Tell us something about you that we haven’t already asked you would like us to share with everyone.
A: I am interested in learning how to box. This summer I was bullied by a neighbor who picked a fight with me. I don’t like to fight and felt afraid. If I learn how to box, I think I would develop self-confidence and would no longer be afraid to defend myself or to stand up to someone trying to bully me.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
What does self-care even mean these days? Our pursuit of health and wellness looks a little different these days now that we don’t have the convenience of popping into our favorite cycle or yoga class to decompress after a long day without planning and scheduling in advance if that’s even an option. Between social distancing, sanitizing, supporting local businesses our energy and focus is a spread pretty thin. The good news is that many companies, gyms, and wellness groups have adjusted to the new normal and now provide digital and virtual fitness classes, so you don’t miss a beat.
We’ve scoured the internet for the best tips from professionals to help you practice health and wellness in forms that are manageable and easy to fit into your daily life.
Mindfulness & Meditation
The pandemic has increased our stress levels in more ways than we realize, so taking a moment to just “be” can provide you with optimal peace and serve as a quick pause and reset to get you back to your zoom calls, taking care of the household and more. It’s important to find time in your schedule to relieve any building stress. According to L.A.-based phycologist, Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt, “It’s critical that we engage in activities that are specific to balancing and lowering stress. High stress levels have been linked to poorer physical health as well as effects on mental and cognitive health.”
Ways to practice Mindfulness & Meditation:
- Download a Meditation App or sign up for an online course
- Apps are a great way to practice mindfulness because they normally have the ability to track progress, provide tips throughout your workday, and much more.
- Do research on your own to find the app that works best for your needs.
- Recommended Apps:
- Calm – The #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation. Calm provides guided meditations, sleep practices, music to help you focus and relax, videos for the body which include stretching and movement, and master classes by world renowned experts
- Headspace – Find calmness, wellness, and balance in your life with this app’s guided meditation and mindfulness techniques for daytime use. Before bed, try any of its new meditations for sleep including music, nature soundscapes, or storytelling sleep casts. The app builds personalized plans based on a little input from you, so you can learn the essentials of meditation and build from there.
- Breathing exercises
- When you are feeling stressed sit down and take a deep breath and close your eyes. Sixty seconds is all you need to disconnect before going back to your routines.
- Set alarms throughout your day to remind you to take a break and honor yourself. These alarms can also serve as great reminders to hydrate.
- Practice Gratitude
- Try starting your day and ending your day with a list of things you feel thankful for. This can consist of things as simple or large as clean sheets or a friend who always answers when you need them most.
Exercise
The importance of fitness and its effects have been ingrained in us from an early age. “Maintaining good physical health is a key component to mental health,” says Dr. Sommerfeldt. “Physical exercise, even a simple walk, has been noted to increase neurotransmitters that are associated with improving mood and cognitive function. Exercise also allows an outlet for reducing stress and managing difficult emotions, which is key in self-care.”
Ways to practice Exercise at Home:
- Stream an Online Class
- Digital classes work great to provide you with the same cardio burning exercises from the comfort of your home
- Recommended Classes:
- Tru Fusion Yoga & Pilates Classes
- GLO on demand fitness classes
- Invest in low-maintenance fitness equipment
- Jump ropes, hand weights, fitness bands are all space saving equipment that provide maximum results
- Create an accountability group
- The best way to ensure you stick with your goals is by creating an accountability group with friends who share like-minded goals. Set a date and time for a daily/weekly workout that can be done over facetime, zoom, or any other video platforms.
Nutrition
Whether you’re a master chef or new to cooking now that you can’t dine out as conveniently at your favorite restaurant it’s vital that you keep your nutrition at the forefront. Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial to relieving stress and directly affects your mood. Physical health & mental health are intertwined.
Ways to Improve Nutrition:
- Redefine comfort foods
- Self-soothe with nutritious comfort foods like warm oatmeal, which can boost levels of serotonin, a chemical that calms the brain
- Swap your recipes for healthier alternatives
- Hydrate
- Drinking the recommended amount of water for your body (typically 91 oz a day) is essential.
- Set alarms throughout the day to remind you to drink water
- Download a hydration app to help you build habits and track your intake
Bottom line, prioritizing your health shouldn’t stop because what we’ve been accustomed to has changed. Doing a simple google can help immensely with creating better habits or finding alternatives to your traditional routine. Online event websites such as Evently are also great resources in finding local and virtual events produced by organizers across the world.
Additional Resources:
PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT
The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation (TFMJF) is known for having a positive impact on the community and aligning with like-minded individuals and organizations. Together, we are on a journey to enhance the world we live in and recognize the importance of highlighting philanthropists who work tirelessly to solve the problems within their community and worldwide. Read on to see who’s recently pulled at our heartstrings with their charitable giving.
MORE THAN A FIGHTER
Retired boxing icon and President of Mayweather Promotions Floyd “Money” Mayweather is highly regarded for the hard work he exhibited consistently during his 21-year pro career, his defensive perfection and stellar boxing IQ, and dedication to the sweet science. While the world continues to debate their preference for “Pretty Boy” or “Money May”, Floyd Mayweather’s truest fans know that he’s more than a fighter, and that’s what distinguishes him from the rest. Often, the media makes their best attempt to catch Floyd Mayweather’s philanthropic efforts on camera, but his best work takes place behind the scenes. The positive impact that his selfless contributions to others and communities far and wide is the ultimate reward.
On May 25th, 2020, a resident of Minneapolis, MN named George Floyd experienced an encounter with police officers that took Mr. Floyd’s life. This indescribable, yet unforgettable moment changed the world as we know it. Bystanders were able to capture the horrific incident on camera, giving the world a glimpse of another moment in the U.S. where the lives of black men and women are undervalued.
[Photo credit: Daily Post Nigeria]
The death of George Floyd sparked months of global protests, dismantling of Confederate statues, and an outcry of support from celebrities, organizations, and businesses who took to the internet, their social platforms, and billboards to express their commitment to fight against racial injustice. While nothing can bring George Floyd back, his death was not in vain. In fact, the death of Mr. Floyd sparked a necessary movement, bringing together people of all races and nationalities who demand equality and stand behind the many black lives lost at the hands of police officers.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
George Floyd was just 46 years old and was often described as a “gentle giant.” He could’ve been a friend, father, uncle, brother, or son to us all. And mostly importantly, George could’ve been you. Blacks in America, no matter the gender, can easily identify with police brutality and systemic racism because history in the U.S. has continuously repeated itself. However, the incident with George Floyd became the tipping point. Normal days have long gone as everyone is experiencing changes in their lives because of the pandemic. As a result, the noise of our everyday lives has quieted as tragedies like these come into focus.
Deeply hurt by the tragic death of George Floyd, Floyd Mayweather wanted to honor his memory and pay his respects to the family by volunteering to cover the cost of the funeral services. The price paid and the amount of services that were held for George Floyd are not important; the importance lies in the ability to help where needed and impact the world. We know that Floyd Mayweather’s generosity helps shape the lives of people daily, and sincerely hope that other givers continue their efforts.
“What I do in the ring means nothing if I don’t share my good fortune with the community. My desire to give back is just as strong as my desire to win.”- Floyd Mayweather
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