Climate Anxiety: How to practice self care as a #couchactivist

So you want to play your part in saving the planet? That's brilliant: Welcome to the the ever-growing club! More and more people are getting involved in the climate change movement. Sustainablity is a mainstream topic now that even big business can't ignore.

However, caring about our environment and educating yourself on the cold hard truths of global warming can lead to a phenomena which experts have dubbed "Climate Axiety". Psychologists are now concerned about the impact that worries about our planet and sustainability is having on the mental health of young people, according to this article in the guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/10/overwhelming-and-terrifying-impact-of-climate-crisis-on-mental-health. With this in mind, here at #CouchActivist we have put together some guidelines for minimising the impact of climate anxiety:

1. Limit your exposure: It is great to educate yourself on climate change but be careful to not be in an information overload, especially with very negative and scaremongering material. Try to strike a balance that is right for you on remaining in the know whilst not being overwhelmed by constant updates. This could be taking a simple step such as limiting your time on twitter or turning off news alerts on your phone.

2. Read some "Good News Stories": To give yourself a break from doom and gloom, try to also read up on postive news in relation to climate change. You can follow positive accounts on instagram which focus on posting only good news from around the world. For example, follow @littlesunenergy on instagram to stay up to date with a global project which gives communities all over the world sustainable light and check out the website: https://littlesun.com/

3. Connect: It's important to remember you are not alone in your passion for the planet and the fear you may sometimes feel. Connect with likeminded people by following eco-friendly accounts on social media or maybe even search to see if there are any local groups you can become involved in. For example, there is a UK-wide network Called "Women in Sustainability" where women can connect with likeminded women.

3. Take action: Making changes to your lifestyle, no matter how small, can make you feel less helpeless in the face of such a global climate emergency. Making educated choices that you know will make a real, positive impact on the planet can help you to feel like you are doing something and are part of the solution. Read our article about Micro Activism.

4. Don't shoulder the blame: Taking action is important but do not forget that this responsbility does not fall on your shoulders. It can be easy to feel guilty and question whether we can be doing more but be easy on yourself. Look back at the small changes you have made which are adding up to become big changes. You are doing the right thing by caring in the first place and you are doing your best. Even some climate scientists feel guilty about their carbon footprint and are learning to come to terms with some choices they have to make which may not be environmentally perfect. Check out this great article on eco guilt: https://medium.com/@tabitha.whiting/you-need-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-climate-change-df0ef8fd09ae.

How do you manage climate anxiety? Drop us a line at couchactivist@gmail.com or leave a comment.