By Staff
How are you handling being the big 50?
I am excited to reach this milestone. However, it did honestly sneak up on me. I turn 50 in May. I feel happy and blessed to turn 50 for so many reasons. First, statistically speaking, as Black men, a lot of us do not make it to see 50, which is sad. I certainly plan to. Second, I feel the best I have ever felt in my life. My physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are all well (thank God). And lastly, I can look back at the first 50 years of my life and be proud of the person I am. I want to continue to evolve as a man and strive to be the best version of me. There is so much more living to do. I am ready for it.
Where do you stand as it pertains to the gray/silver hair that mature people are faced with?
As someone with gray hair, I guess that makes me mature then. LOL. I love my gray and am proud of it. My gray beard journey is new though, just since the pandemic. I had sprinkles of gray hair in my goatee since my thirties, however, the full (mostly) salt and pepper beard is a direct result of being inside and not shaving for months. Once the itching phase ended, the beard was a keeper.
Tell us about your health industry certification.
I am currently pursuing my Health & Wellness Coaching Certification from Emory University Continuing Education. I finish in December, then plan to become nationally board certified in 2023. This is something I have wanted to do for a while. Being a Health & Wellness Coach is really a natural evolution for me to add to my life. Being a former collegiate athlete and someone who maintains a healthy lifestyle, I know the importance and benefits of health and wellness in people’s lives. There are many elements of health and wellness, i.e., physical, mental, spiritual, etc., and I would like to be a resource and help people improve their lives.
How do you plan to utilize the certification?
As a Health & Wellness Coach, I will be able to help people improve their health and well-being. I am particularly interested in coaching Black men. There is so much stigma in the Black community, especially with Black men, about expressing feelings, being vulnerable, and asking for help. As Black men, we do not do that. I am hoping that as a Black man, I can connect with other Black men and coach them on their individual health and wellness journeys.
How do you stay physically fit?
Physical fitness is a lifestyle for me. I have been involved in sports or recreational activities my entire life. It is hard to turn that off. However, I do not overdo it. In a good week for me, I work out 3-4 times. In a bad week for me, I work out 1-2 times. I like weight training, yoga, cardio (running, biking, jumping rope), basketball, tennis. Food matters too. I believe in moderation. I like all types of food. I rarely say no to food. However, I know if I eat something bad for me, the gym will be waiting for me the next day.
How do you provide maintenance to your mental health?
Maintaining mental health is so important. I treat it as one of the priorities in my life and I protect it. I learned a lot about myself and mental health maintenance during the pandemic. I still use those mental health strategies. In addition to getting regular exercise, I try not to stress and worry about things that are out of my control. I make sure my social relationships are healthy and safe. I take time to sit still, meditate, practice patience, and live within gratitude for life’s blessings.
What’s next for Eric Bell?
There is so much to do. I want to do it all while I can. I have always been an “AND” person, not an “OR” person. I plan to continue that way of thinking and living. With everything I am doing – acting, modeling, voiceover, health & wellness, I will keep busy for sure. If I can dream for a minute – I would love to be involved with projects featuring travel and food, and health & wellness. I would be doing what I love and able to share it with the world.
About Eric B. Bell
Noted for his distinctive voice, Eric B. Bell is an emerging voiceover artist with unique depth and range. Eric’s voice has been described as smooth, sexy, and sultry. His voiceover style focuses on relatability and on the human qualities that connect people.
Eric’s voiceover credits include national commercials, such as Stillman College; film narrations, including the “What About Me” documentary; and educational voiceover reads.
In addition to being a voiceover artist, Eric is also an actor, model, and health & wellness advocate, as well as maintaining his corporate career working in sales leadership.
Eric was born and raised in San Diego. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California, where he was a student-athlete on the Track & Field team, earned his MBA from Georgia State University, and he is currently pursuing his Health & Wellness Coaching Certification from Emory University Continuing Education. His thirst for knowledge and servitude plays a significant role in his life as an artist and person.
Eric is an avid traveler, athlete, foodie, and seeker of new experiences. He stays busy with new projects and is always looking for the next opportunity to have influence, bring more value to life, and he strives to be an inspiration to others. Eric has one son, Justin, and they enjoy spending time together and keeping each other motivated to pursue their dreams. Eric currently lives in Atlanta.
Social Media
ericbbell.com
@ericbbell on Instagram
@Eric B Bell on Facebook
