8 Self-Care Tips for Activists
Sustainable activism requires taking time to care for mind, body, and spirit. Here are eight strategies that encourage self-care for activists.
Recharge in ways that work for you.
Make a list of the activities that refill your well of energy and positivity—being in nature, reading, creative expression, or time with friends that isn’t focused on activism. Make sure to do one or more of these practices daily.
Create healthy boundaries.
Become aware of when you’re getting tired or your mood is low, and choose to stop and rest rather than pushing through. As activists often remind each other, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Practice mindfulness.
Research shows that mindfulness practice, such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation, supports sustainable activism and helps prevent activist burnout. Simply taking a moment to pause and breathe, slowly and deeply, can shift your state of mind and help you refocus.
Develop a balanced relationship with media and social media.
Social media can support activism, and young activists need to stay informed about what’s happening in the world. But constant exposure can be exhausting and demoralizing, so self-care for activists includes unplugging sometimes.