Blacktinidad Explores Self-Care and Wellness with Yvette Hernandez and Dr. Mariel Buqué

The latest episode of Blacktinidad was all focused on self-care and wellness, offering viewers a variety of perspectives and advice on maintaining mental and physical health. The show opens with the hosts sharing their personal self-care routines: Francia enjoys riding his bike, Elijah finds healing in journaling, and Eliana takes therapeutic showers in the dark while using the Insight Timer app.

“Self-care can be anything,” Eliana emphasizes, making sure that viewers know that wellness doesn’t have to come with a price tag. The hosts’ discussion about free self-care showcased the accessibility of self-care practices, encouraging viewers to find what works best for them without feeling pressured to spend money.

Joining the conversation was Kyo, who shared his own approach to self-care by maintaining his hair. The hosts further dove into the benefits of journaling, highlighting how prompts can help the writing process and make it a more effective tool for mental health.

A special segment of the episode featured Dr. Mariel Buqué, a psychologist who shares her journey from aspiring reporter, inspired by her father, to becoming a mental health professional. Dr. Buqué’s transition from journalism to psychology led her to Columbia University, a predominantly white Ivy League institution, where she faced and recognized her own battles with depression.

“Part of your health is your mental health,” Dr. Buqué states, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspect of health within the Latino community. She explains that past generations lacked the resources to manage their sorrows, leading to a cycle of generational trauma. This realization drove her to write her book, addressing these deep-rooted issues and offering guidance for healing.

Dr. Buqué also discusses trauma bonding, emphasizing, “You cannot heal what you cannot see.” She points out the cultural resistance to therapy, where many feel it’s a betrayal to discuss family problems with an outsider. However, she passionately advocates for the benefits of therapy, sharing how it can lead to profound personal growth and emotional relief.

Boundaries are another crucial topic covered in the episode. Dr. Buqué stresses the importance of setting limits to avoid burnout, especially when dealing with the emotional burdens of others. She offers practical advice for maintaining mental health, from dancing in the living room to release built-up tension to simple relaxation techniques.

The episode continues with Yvette Hernandez, founder of Decide Balance, who shares her personal story of being diagnosed with vitiligo and the ensuing depression. Through meditation, she found a path to manage her mental health. Yvette is passionate about helping the community, particularly through bilingual meditation sessions, which she describes as a “beautiful tool” for letting go of stress. She reminds viewers that mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and journaling are rooted in ancestral traditions.

The episode concludes with Yvonne leading a meditation session, teaching breathing techniques to help viewers de-stress and center themselves. Her guidance offers a practical, hands-on approach to incorporating meditation into daily life.

Overall, this episode of Blacktinidad is a powerful exploration of self-care and wellness, providing valuable insights and practical tips that resonate deeply with the audience. The hosts and guests alike emphasize the importance of finding personal and accessible ways to maintain mental and physical health, making self-care a relatable and achievable goal for all.