Managing your own business, of any size, can be stressful. For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic exponentially increased the challenges to operating a successful business.

To help members maintain their physical and mental well-being, BKLYN Commons launched Wellness Wednesdays. with Dr. Toni, in partnership with CityBlock.

CityBlock provides physical, mental, and social services to care for their patients’ whole self.

This partnership stems from their collaboration on the  Mental Health and Wellness Seminar on May 25 for Mental Health Awareness month.

“Organizing the forum for Mental Health Awareness month sparked an idea,” said Johanne Brierre, BKLYN Commons’ Head of Growth. “Entrepreneurs work hard to build their business. In doing so, they often neglect their physical and mental health. We thought that BKLYN Commons members could benefit from a check-in with Dr. Toni.”

Dr. Toni Eyssallenne, the Medical Director of Cityblock, conducts wellness check-ins for BKLYN Commons members on the first Wednesday of each month at the Prospect Lefferts Gardens location. 

No appointments are necessary. Members could just stop by for a chat with the doctor.

After learning about the new wellness check-ins, I seized the opportunity for a one-on-one session with Dr. Toni.

Inc. Magazine published the article “The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship” that takes a deep dive into the stress entrepreneurs experience.

It’s not just our mental health but also our physical health that’s at risk. We typically work long hours and juggle many roles: manager, accountant, customer service, etc. Consequently, we often fail to get enough rest or to eat properly.

I sat down with Dr. Toni for a health check-in at the rooftop deck at PLG. It was jacket weather, days before the first heatwave baked Brooklyn.

Wearing medical scrubs, Dr. Toni flashed a warm smile, as we introduced ourselves to each other. It was easy to connect. She has a personable and non-judgmental manner. 

Like many other freelancers, the stress of maintaining steady cash flow for my writing business and working too many hours impacts my health.

First, we checked off a few items, such as ensuring that I recently had a full physical, including blood work, to make sure there weren’t any underlying medical issues. Next, she gave me great tips for eating healthy while on the go and for developing an exercise routine.

“A part of stress management is managing your time,” emphasized Dr. Toni, who earned an M.D. and Ph.D. in pathology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

She advised me to create a to-do list, which should include personal time. After prioritizing each item, the doctor recommended working on completing the top three things on the list each day. If I’m unable to complete a task, move it to the next day.

In addition to check-ins, Dr. Toni discusses wellness via a virtual platform.

At her inaugural Wellness Wednesday on June 2, Dr. Toni delivered part two of her COVID-19 series. 

The presentation, titled “To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate: What We Know and What We Don’t Know,” helped participants to make informed decisions about the various COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Toni also answered questions from the audience about the vaccine. The participants inquired about possible side effects, its effectiveness against variants, whether to vaccinate children, as well as the many conspiracy theories.

The next check-in session is scheduled for July 7. Feel free to drop by.