A vital part of activism is looking after ourselves. To change everything, we need everyone – in a fit state to participate. It can be hard not to burn out with wanting to give it all for the cause. However, we’re not much good to a campaign if we are depleted.
It’s vital to prioritise both our mental health and physical health. We must put on our own oxygen mask before helping others. We’ve collated some resources relating to looking after ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally.
For more help, see comprehensive Wellbeing resource collections in the Commons Social Change Library and the Activist Handbook.
Looking after our Mental Health
- Coping with climate change distress (PDF)
- Managing activist trauma (PDF)
- Self care check list (PDF)
- Rising up without Burning out – excellent thorough resource from Occupy
Looking after our Physical Health
- Coping with Extreme Heat resource by the Climate Justice Union
Sustainable activism
- How an activist headed towards burnout can change course
- A love letter to the over committed
- Sustainable Activism and avoiding burnout (PDF)
- Plan to thrive
Supporting Youth Activists
- Youth systemic advocacy and care training – child safeguarding processes and principles CJU has developed for creating safe and caring ways of supporting young advocates