Remember to Self-Care in a time of crisis - Four tips on keeping yourself sane and effectual
Now is a time to balance Awareness and Action with Self-care. Yes. We must be vigilant. Authoritarian rule, racism, extremism, violence, you name it--they are all trying to knock down our doors. But a lookout or fighter cannot function 24/7. They need to rest and take time to recharge, AWAY from it all; otherwise they will become ineffectual. That is why such people take shifts.
And that is the key. Shifts. Working TOGETHER. One person cannot remain working 1000% toward a cause at all times. We must all be willing to pass the baton when needed, in order to keep ourselves healthy and effective, and also be willing to TAKE the baton from those who have been working so tirelessly in the good fight.
We can turn this country around. We can ALL do something, even if it seems small, to make a difference. Those who try now to steal the power from the people want us to believe we are ineffective. They want us to believe our voice does not matter. But a million tiny droplets make up the swelling tide. Your voice, your awareness, your ACTION counts.
But remember that it is also okay, and even necessary, to take time to recharge.
1. Allot a set amount of time for your Awareness and your Action. This may look like an hour of actively searching for and verifying truthful information about what is happening around you. Blogs, social media, news articles, but best are firsthand accounts. Media can be manipulated so be sure to double check veracity of claims made in media. Then perhaps take another 20 minutes to allow yourself Action. Write a post. Spread the news. Donate to a cause. Then set it aside. Those times are just me spit-balling. Do what you can, but seriously consider how important such time is and make an effort to carve out some time. Perhaps split it up throughout the day.
2. Identify things that recharge you the most. Everyone has certain activities that truly revitalize them. For me, it is video games. Nothing revitalizes me more than completing that quest, or defeating that boss! Whatever your activity is--be it knitting, watching an uplifting movie, fishing, going for a run, whatever--make sure it is something that completely engages your mind and even your body if possible. Make a list of activities that help you to truly UNPLUG, and which 'spark joy' in the lovely words of Marie Kondo. Set aside time to do such activities.
3. Ask for help. For some of us, it is difficult to set aside time for anything. Perhaps we work multiple jobs, or have loved ones to care for. It is okay to admit and even protect your need for time to recharge. Brainstorm who you might be able to reach out to for just a little time. Do you have a spouse or partner who is willing to share the load with you? Maybe a neighbor who can watch the kids. You might find people are more willing to help than you think. You don't have to take on the world alone.
4. And that leads us to perhaps the most important point: support one another. Now is a rough time for everyone. We are all struggling in our own ways to keep our heads above water. Acknowledge that, and accept that everyone is trying. You are not the only one who might be struggling, and that provides a wonderful opportunity for community. We are all in this together. We may be in separate 'boats' but we still can relate to one another on some level. Find those little points of connection and focus on those instead of differences. Grow them into relationships, and then grow those relationships into networks. Humans need connection, and the only way for us to survive this madness and achieve a world where life and dignity are protected is if we have the courage to care for others--and allow others to care for us.
