Climate Advocates: Ten Tips for Self Care
Engaging with our climate emergency can feel overwhelming at times. To do our best work, we all need to prioritize self-care every day. Here are some simple practices that will help:
- Eat a healthy diet: fresh, local, organic (where possible), and plant forward with reduced fat and red meat will protect your health and boost your energy. Avoid excess sugar, caffeine and alcohol, especially close to bedtime.
- Exercise daily: boost your energy, immune system and mood with whatever types of exercise work for you; mix it up! Prioritize fitness, core strength and flexibility. You can build this into your daily routine by swapping out a car ride with a bike or walk to experience health and climate co-benefits.
- Get out in nature: take a walk and let the outdoors inside you- the sounds, smells, and sights will revive your energy and remind you of why you’re doing this work.
- Practice gratitude: regularly ask yourself, “What am I grateful for at this moment?” Be genuinely appreciative of all that is right in your world. Note: it may help to speak these answers out loud.
- Make room for your imperfections: being concerned about our climate doesn’t mean you always make the eco-friendly choice. Allow yourself to be human and recognize that others who deny this problem are probably human too.
- Manage your news input: you don’t have to take in all the climate news- or any other upsetting stories- as they come out. Take frequent “news breaks” and watch for good news stories to balance them.
- Recharge with meditation: set aside time daily to calm your mind. Learn a meditation technique and practice regularly, or just find a quiet place, close your eyes and observe your breath for 20 minutes.
- Don’t isolate: spend time often with supportive family and friends. Share your feelings and concerns and also take time to listen to theirs.
- Prioritize your sleep: keep regular wake/sleep times; wind down, shut off devices and stop serious work at least an hour before bed; keep your bedroom cool, dark and comfortable.
- Remember to acknowledge yourself: few around you will understand the burden you’ve taken on with this work. Take the time to appreciate- and reward- yourself. You deserve it, and remember: the happier and healthier you are, the better for everyone.
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THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
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Bruce Bekkar, MD, is the Chair of the Climate Action Campaign’s Public Health Advisory Council and a member of the Climate for Health Leadership Circle Executive Committee.