Self Care Builds Resilience for Stronger Climate and Health Engagement
The recent election outcome and initial weeks of the new administration have left me feeling frightened, frustrated, and uncertain about the future. In connecting with others doing climate and health work, I know I am not alone. It’s understandable — we are in a hyper-anxious state, navigating an unprecedented time of high stakes when we know that climate change on its own already heavily impacts our mental health. But while urgency fuels our advocacy, we must also take care of ourselves so we can stay in the fight for the long haul. To that end, here are some of the things I do to maintain momentum and optimism.
Prioritize Self-Care
Now is the time to lean into rest, nourishment, and movement. Limit doomscrolling, seek out good news (I enjoy FixTheNews.com, dailyclimate.org, and Katharine Hayhoe’s weekly post on LinkedIn), get outside, connect with friends and loved ones, listen to music, watch a comedy, make a great meal… In short, find moments of joy. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s a strategy for sustainability. Burnout serves no one.
Engage in Constructive Actions
When stress feels overwhelming, channel your energy into something that restores you. Creative projects, being in nature, or doing something for someone else can provide a sense of control and purpose. Particularly in climate and health work, we know that one way to calm overwhelming feelings is to focus efforts on what actions you can take today.
Build Resilience
Make a regular, daily practice of exercise and mindfulness. This isn’t the first political setback, and it won’t be the last. Reflect on past progress, even in difficult times. We are part of a movement that has endured, adapted, and made real change. Engaging with your climate and health community and focusing on collective action helps build resilience.
Find Your Voice and Fight Back
Once you’ve taken time to reset, it’s time to re-engage with renewed energy. Show up, speak out, and push for change. While elections shape the landscape, our collective activism shapes the future.
Rest, regroup, and rise again. Join supportive communities, like the Climate Ambassador community after taking the Climate for Health Ambassador Training and ClimateRx, to connect with others, share ideas, and inspire hope. The need is great, the work continues, and so must we.
About the Author
Bruce Bekkar, M.D., is a women’s health physician, international keynote speaker, and Climate for Health Fellow with ecoAmerica. Bruce also serves on ecoAmerica’s Leadership Circle.
Additional Resources
Register to Watch: American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023