5 Ways to Relieve Climate Anxiety

There is a growing concern over the impacts of climate change, particularly in young people that will bear the largest burden if we don’t take swift action. If you’re feeling constant and sometimes overwhelming stress about the future of our planet, this term is often referred to as “ecoanxiety” or “climate anxiety.” This feeling is especially common if you work on the frontlines of the climate crisis, or in a green career that requires constant work towards finding solutions. Ecoanxiety can be paralyzing, and it’s important to remember that you cannot take care of the planet without taking care of yourself. Here are a few ways to cope with ecoanxiety and relieve stress during these hard times.

1. Turn Anxiety in Action

If you feel helpless during times of overwhelm, it’s so important to focus on what you can control. If it’s accessible to you, try to incorporate using public transportation into your schedule regularly. We’ve found finding ways to “be the change” you want to see can serve as a valuable reminder.

2. Rest & Recover

Rest is a key part of building a healthy relationship with environmentalism, and avoid burn out. These breaks allow you to reset so you can come back to the needed work and give it your best. Take them often, and as needed! We recommend short staycations close to home, a more affordable and sustainable way to travel. It could be as simple as biking around your neighborhood, taking long walks with loved one, or getting into your local green spaces like neighborhood gardens.

3. Lean on Community

Find support with the people in your life who “get it.” This is our highest recommendation, because community reminds you of your sense of belonging and inspiration. Friends with your same values means they’re more likely to want to carpool, go on bike rides, or attend green events together. Finding a group of environmentally conscious friends committed to a low-carbon lifestyle will strengthen your resolve, provide fun socializing opportunities, and motivate each other toward environmental goals. At the end of the day, finding community makes you feel less alone.

4. Talk to a professional

Talking to someone, including friends and family that understand, can be a powerful way to feel less alone. But it is not the same and talking with a professional therapist who has the expertise to provide valuable tools and tricks to properly cope with your feelings. Like we mentioned, ecoanxiety is increasingly common, and therapists develop a deeper understanding of your emotions on a regularly basis. For example, during times of overwhelm my first priority is to put away technology and go outside. Fresh air is just one relaxation cue for our bodies.

5. Conscious media consumption

When you care so much about a topic like environmentalism, you might find yourself wanting to stay up to date on all the news. But humans were not designed to have access to this much information at once. You want to find balance between staying informed from reputable media outlets, but also taking breaks. We have all the solutions to the climate emergency, they just need to be implemented. We recommend doing a media audiotand unfollowing accounts that only spread climate doom, and prioritizing news that shares climate solutions. Our favorites are Pique Action and @thegarbagequeen!

If you are looking to actionable ways to be part of the solution, check out our learning hub and download our Find Your Place exercise.