Whether you are working towards equal rights for all, economic justice, protection for the environment, or even just ensuring that your family member gets the services they need, it is important for activists and advocates to care for themselves in addition to caring for others. Today we focus on caring for ourselves while caring and fighting for the rights of others.
Why focus on activism in June?
Every year we celebrate LGBTQ PRIDE Month in June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a turning point in the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the midst of parties, parades and celebrations, PRIDE reminds us of the hard work those who came before us have done to make the world a better place for all.
The Stonewall Riot is widely considered the birth of the Gay Liberation movement. The first PRIDE event was a parade in NYC held on June 28, 1970, to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising. Since then, we have continued to celebrate PRIDE in June.*
Activism
The Gay Rights Movement in the US is far from the only worthy cause to put our energy towards, but PRIDE month reminds us how important it is for activists to practice self-care as part of their fight for equality. You cannot force others to care about you and your cause if you are not caring for yourself.
Burnout
Engaging in activism can quickly lead to burnout. No matter how hard we try; it seems that there is always more to do, always progress to make, and always things to defend. This can easily lead to burnout. Psychology Today defines burnout as a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that is the result of prolonged or repeated stresses.** It is easy to see how activism can lead to burnout.
As an activist, there are some ways you can use journaling and other coping skills to help avoid burnout. Avoiding burnout is crucial in enabling yourself to continue to use your valuable skills to advocate for what is right.
Journaling to Avoid Activist Burnout
Focus on the small victories: The list of things to do is endless. As an activist our work is never done, but it is important to acknowledge the small every-day wins. Make a list of the things you have done recently that had a positive outcome, no matter how small.
How have things changed? Things have hopefully made some progress since you began your activism. Maybe a few people have signed up for your newsletter. Maybe you marched in a protest that led to lawmakers considering changes. Write down how things started and how things are now. Even if the changes seem small, they still made a difference.
Come up with a "bag of tricks." Burnout will happen, it is important to be prepared. Make a list in your journal of things that help you recharge, that way when you are struggling you are ready to jump right in and take care of yourself. You can even make yourself an actual bag or box to keep self-care items in.
Connect with others. If you are not already connected with other activists, make a plan to connect. Journal about different ways you can reach out and expand your circle of support. If you are already pretty connected, you can make a plan to use your current circle more effectively. Feeling connected is a great way to avoid burn out because it reminds you that you aren't alone in your fight.
Take time off if you need to. Sometimes we need a break to be able to move forward. Journal a plan to take a break and how you will use that time to care for yourself. Once you return from your break, you will hopefully find yourself re-energized for the fight ahead.
Activism is important, but difficult work. It is important to remember that in the fight for equality and justice we must remember to care for ourselves. If you are taking care of you, are much better able to care for others. Your work is important, and so are you.
If you find yourself unable to manage your burnout after trying the strategies above, you may need additional support. Reach out to Three Circles Therapy Services to see how they can help.