As I continue into my 25th year, I have prioritized wellness in my life. Not just a cute fleeting moment on TikTok or a trendy photo of a matcha on Instagram, but real investments into my health and wellbeing.
I’ve done a little bit of it all. From regularly going to therapy, meeting with a dietitian, meditating, and attending yoga classes to drinking chia seed water, setting intentions each year, and attending wellness retreats. Every bit of investment in my life has brought me moments of growth towards my future self.
In May, my wellness journey continued with a visit to The New York Times Well Festival. BrownStyle Magazine was invited to Brooklyn to experience the brand’s inaugural launch of a festival centered around wellness. From mental health and physical activity to sex and relationships — there was a little something for everybody! Check out my recap.
Upon Arrival
Once I hopped off the bus, arrived on-site, and checked in, I headed straight to the wall of postcards. This wall contained tidbits of advice for wellness from professionals, like building your emotional first aid kit or being curious about your partner daily.
Shout out to Cal Newport, author of Slow Productivity, for having my favorite card. It said to “create a secret, quirky phrase” to shift your mindset out of work mode. My phrase is: “And it’s done, just like that, girly pop!”
There was even a station to mail out postcards, which I sent to my besties who needed some love and motivation.
Joyful Times With Tracee Ellis Ross
At the top of the morning, there was a live conversation with the iconic Tracee Ellis Ross. Her bubbly and calming presence onstage made for an engaging listen as she discussed her routine to cultivate joy.
Tracee listed things that give her life light like:
- ✨️ Writing her fears and gratitude list with her homegirls
- ✨️ Knowing herself truly, which has helped in making dating more fun and less intimidating
- ✨️ Accepting and embracing aging as a woman without children
- ✨️ Using Sundays as the day to “follow her heart around” and experience the practice of joy
One major point that resonated with me was Tracee mentioning journaling by hand. She says, “It is moving through the pace of your heart.”
As a girl growing up introverted and loving books, I was always journaling my thoughts down, making up stories, and dreaming through words. My heart felt full when writing back then, and now, I make it a point to keep my journal close by.
Tracee’s panel was a refreshing, heartfelt, and joyful talk that brought me to a space of hope. Her open and honest voice has given me a boost as not only an artist but as an ambitious Black woman. Here’s to Tracee!
Social Media And Happiness With Lisa And Gabriela
Protecting Your Happiness in the Age of Social Media with psychologist and author Lisa Damour and Harvard student and Appstinence founder Gabriela Nguyen was a panel centered around questions like: “What’s the value of time?” and “What are the meaningful relationships I care about?”
It also pushed attendees to think about how we can reframe social media in our lives.
As a woman who is constantly on her phone for work and pleasure, I appreciated this chat. Here are my takeaways:
- ✨️ Disable notifications
- ✨️ Check emails or socials at a scheduled time instead of completely cutting it out of your routine
- ✨️ Focus on continuity (i.e., not checking emails while eating dinner)
- ✨️ Create distance from my phone, like leaving it in the car or at home, when I go on walks or run errands
I probably won’t be getting a flip phone (though I am intrigued), but this panel helped me to be more conscious of my screen time behaviors. I know that as I move into my 30s in the next few years, the desire to be present for myself, my friends, and my partner are priority. The phone addiction has nothing on my desire for living life!
Shedding Body Fear And Tears With Jameela Jamil
I must admit I haven’t watched The Good Place, but I always found myself interested in Jameela Jamil. A fellow Brown girl whose words were equal parts funny, biting, and sincere; her panel at the event brought me to tears from laughter and connection.
Some stand-out moments from the conversation included:
- ✨️ Her reminder to move for neurological benefit instead of diet culture/being skinny.
- ✨️ Love the look of getting older in the facets of wisdom, laugh lines, and embracing the crone archetype in women above the age of 40. (Even at 25, I was internally cheering for this perspective. I can’t wait to have the wisdom that comes with aging.)
- ✨️ Jameela also opened up about her eating disorder at 25 and how that hurt her at her present age. She went on to share that she is more intentional about caring for her mind, body, and well-being so that her 80-year-old self to live her best life.
This section made me tear up because I’ve looked back on my life and my younger self. She was going through hard times, but she survived for me. And like Jameela, I hope my 80-year-old self will be proud and thankful for the wellness choices I make today so she can live.
In the end, these panels and the others were eye-opening and strong reminders of what wellness means. It’s taking care and fostering of relationships with society, loved ones, and self. I really enjoyed my time and felt connected after each talk.
Activities For Attendees
Throughout the day there was a range of goodies to experience. Here are the highlights:
Estée Lauder
As a certified skincare lover, I was intrigued by the Estée Lauder booth. Sleep was the highlight of the activation.
There was a sleeping pod that I was able to test out with the meditation feature. It looked like something from NASA with a dome covering that exposed the user’s foot.
The experience was about ten minutes with a narration that guided the listener through the stages of meditation and relaxation. I thought it was an interesting take on sleep hygiene. I could see these popping up around cities and especially universities.
The brand’s product bar showcased the company’s newest product line including the Revitalizing Supreme. It’s a face cream with a rich formula to combat wrinkles, fine lines, and generally plump the skin while sleeping.
I received a sample size of the cream alongside the book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. Though I am not the target demographic, I don’t have wrinkles or fine lines, it’s been a nice addition to my skincare routine. The cream has been in my travel makeup bag for the past month, and I’ve noticed my skin feeling softer in the morning. I’m curious to see what else the legacy brand has to offer this year.
Too Good Yogurt Vending Machine And Bar
Something sweet yet low-calorie was available with Too Good Yogurt. A vending machine was available for yogurt selections alongside a topping bar to jazz up the mix. I opted for the black cherry flavor and sprinkled coconut flakes, honey, and fruit on top of my cup.
This was a perfect pick-me-up throughout the afternoon reception without a sugar crash. I enjoyed my yogurt outside by the pier overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. Plus some cute geese decided to join me which made this moment even more sweet.
After Thoughts
I went in knowing wellness as spa trips, meditation before bed, and eating my greens. However, after this conference, I realized wellness is a whole bunch of things.
There are parts of life that feel separated, like joy being with emotions, and social media being with technology. But in reality, these aspects of our lives—from the emotional and physical to the mental and the relational—all intersect, overlap, and cannot be bound by labels.
Our wellness takes root in a foundation of clear understanding of what makes us, as individuals and a collective, feel well. And it’s going to take trial and error, making mistakes, and discoveries, to be well.
The journey never ends, but this Well Festival was a step onto the path of doing better for my wellness. I can’t wait to see what is next in store for my wellness journey!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
