No. 57: Finding hope amidst doom + gloom
tips for tackling that summer climate crisis stress!
How are you participating in PFJ? Also, check out the poll below, I would love your insight, it would really help me out! ;)
How to find hope in everyday life
I am NOT a licensed therapist or psychologist, and am only sharing my experience and tips as an anxious environmentalist teen!
With our constant heatwaves, natural disasters, and worldwide affairs, our lives can seem bleak in the grand scheme of things, which is why, when I’m feeling especially down, I try to think of the good, the hopeful things in my life and worldwide, (plus some resources of course). So I’m sharing a few, as hearing each day is the hottest one ever from the next is quite stressful and depressing!
While I’m far from being as knowledgeable and experienced as I could be, I’ve learned a few tips on how to stay hopeful and optimistic as an environmentalist!
Find community: I know I’ve mentioned this one and included resources before, but it really is SUPER important! Besides this newsletter (and other newsletters I read), I’m still working on this!
There are 8 billion people experiencing this crisis (in many ways), so there are at least a few guaranteed connections!
The Resilience Project - for UK individuals aged 18-28
GGN-Z by Good Grief Network - a 5-week virtual program for teens to “get real, build resilience, and practice creativity”
Climate Awakening emotion discussions - virtual + free!
Eco Anxious Stories - resources, news + other services
Talk to your loved ones: share with them how this is burdening you, and encourage them to find resources and make their own discoveries!
Speak to a professional: this could be an expert in the environmental field or a counselor or therapist/psychologist. There are so many people that want to help you stay well!
Here are some trained professionals with experience who help those that are mentally and emotionally burdened by our climate crisis. (Europe and Australia only!)
Get out in nature (return to your roots)
It can also help to make a difference, like picking up trash or removing invasive species (with permission!)
Observe wildlife
Or, when stuck inside, listen to an outdoor sounds playlist!
Feeling burnt out? Take a break!
Try a meditation, breathing exercise or reflection
Apps like Insight Timer, Shine, and Happify
Find your niche: maybe you still don’t know where you fit in the environmental movement, but not to worry!
Mine are writing, policy, and fashion, which allow me to explore my interest in relation to sustainability, which I can apply towards making small impacts.
Further reading:
Climate Hope is everywhere that you are (Greenpeace)
7 Resources to Help You Cope With Climate Anxiety (Time)
23 Must-Read Books to Jumpstart You Into Action (Ethos) - Such a good list! I shelved several as future reads :)
What to See in the Night Sky in July 2023 (Treehugger)
This Airline Will Rent Clothes to Passengers on Overseas Flights (Travel + Leisure)
Is Plastic Bad? A Brief History of Polythene + Reflections on Single Use (Eco Chic Podcast)
Wrap-up
Hope some of these tips were helpful, I completely understand and feel overwhelmed by everything going on (for me, summer is worse with all of the heat waves, since heat seems to be the most present and destructive system of climate change). Don’t forget to vote in the poll, and please share your thoughts, suggestions, reactions, and additions below!! <3
Hey, I really enjoy reading your posts and I think it is so important to stay positive in the face of the climate change threats and stresses. We cannot underplay the scale of the crisis but it is so important that we stay healthy so we can play a maximum role in the future of the planet. So some really good points raised here.