5 Tips For Your Mental Health & Activism
It can feel like a heavy lift to care for your mental health on top of trying to stay active and engaged in your community. So many of us are feeling overwhelmed by the things happening around us and the world. While some actions such as checking your voter registration are quick and easy, staying engaged and doing your part can sometimes become exhausting. The good news is that a meaningful action doesn’t have to drain all your energy. Checking your voter registration or registering to vote are quick and easy things to do to stay engaged and participate. AND it’s also important to take a moment or two for self-care. Here are five tips we can try together to stay healthy and maintain the energy for activism.
Acknowledge your feelings
Activism is often work that impacts our personal lives and identities. There’s a lot at stake and we may feel vulnerable, scared, or even angry. Feel your emotions instead of burying them. Make sure to take a moment to journal, talk to friends and family, and rest, so that when you tune in to engage, you’re ready.
Set and stick to boundaries
Activism is important and can be all-encompassing, meaning that it can be easy to lose yourself and your needs when engaging. It is okay, and necessary, to say "no" sometimes to opportunities, even if they help the cause. Making space for yourself will help you engage more fully and effectively when it is time to do so.
Recognize and combat burnout
Activists feel a responsibility to engage. The opportunity to contribute time and energy to social justice is frequently time spent outside of work hours, leaving activists with little time for rest and rejuvenation. Activist burnout occurs when initial enthusiasm and dedication starts to dwindle, leaving you feeling exhausted, cynical, and ineffective. Be honest with yourself regarding how much you’re taking on and what you need to replenish your energy. It is needed and necessary to take breaks.
Step away from social media
Recognize the difference between educating yourself on an issue and doom scrolling (spending an excessive amount of screen time devoted to the absorption of negative news). When engaging online, spend only the time you need dedicated to keeping yourself updated and educated. Conversations, content and new posts will always continue on social media, even when you are taking time off, so consider setting time limits on certain apps or turning off notifications altogether.
Lean on others
You are not in this alone. Establish a solid support system you can rely on and make sure to reach out to them. Having conversations with those who understand what you are going through will combat that uneasy feeling of isolation. Remember that we are only human; “we don’t have to carry the whole world on our shoulders” (Celeste Viciere).
How do you care for your mental health around activism? Share with us below!