As I sit down to write this, I can't help but feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on my shoulders. It's not the physical exhaustion from a long day's work or the beasting I got at my yoga class this morning or the mental fatigue from juggling multiple responsibilities. No, this exhaustion runs deeper. It's a weariness of the soul, a fatigue born out of hearing the same old complaints about the weather and climate disasters while witnessing a world that seems determined to carry on contributing to the very problem it laments.
As I lay on my yoga mat, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation behind me. Someone was complaining about missing out on dirt biking due to the recent terrible wet weather, yet regularly jets off to Spain for mountain biking during the summer months, although that may also be in jeopardy as "it is getting too hot". I was kind of amused, are people truly considering the environmental impacts of their choices? Riding mountain bikes locally might be a small step, but what about the bigger picture? It's time to reflect on our travel habits and their consequences.
Climate fatigue is real, and it's something that many of us are experiencing on a profound level. It's that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you hear yet another news report about record breaking temperatures or catastrophic natural disasters followed by climate misinformation and how events can be explained away by literally anything apart from science by people who have no qualifications at all. It's the frustration that bubbles up inside you when you see people going about their lives as if nothing is wrong, blissfully ignorant or apathetic to the looming threat of climate change.
But where does this exhaustion come from? For me, it's a combination of factors. It's the overwhelming sense of helplessness that comes from knowing the enormity of the challenge we face & feeling powerless to effect meaningful change. It's the frustration of witnessing political inaction and corporate greed trumping environmental stewardship time & time again. It's also the constant barrage of doom & gloom headlines that leave little room for hope or optimism.
So how do we navigate this landscape of climate fatigue? How do we find the strength to keep fighting for a better world in the face of overwhelming odds? While I don't have all the answers, I've found solace in a few key strategies that have helped me cope with my own feelings of exhaustion.
First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge and validate our emotions. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, frustrated and even angry in the face of the climate crisis. These emotions are natural responses to an unprecedented challenge, and we shouldn't feel guilty for experiencing them. Instead, we should allow ourselves the space to feel & process these emotions in a healthy way.
Secondly, it's essential to find sources of inspiration and positivity that can sustain us through the dark times. Whether it's connecting with like minded individuals who share our passion for activism, immersing ourselves in nature to remind us of the beauty & resilience of the planet, or celebrating small victories and milestones on the road to a more sustainable future, finding moments of joy and hope can help replenish our spirits & reignite our sense of purpose.
Finally, it's crucial to take care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally. That means prioritising self care practices that nourish our bodies, minds, and souls, whether it's through regular exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. By nurturing ourselves, we can build the resilience and inner strength needed to continue advocating for positive change, even in the face of adversity.
Climate fatigue is a real and pervasive phenomenon that many of us are grappling with in today's world, especially when the odds seem not be increasingly not in our favour. However, by acknowledging our emotions, finding sources of inspiration and hope, and prioritising self care, we can navigate this challenging terrain with grace and resilience. If we all make a concerted effort we can overcome climate fatigue and continue working towards a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
I suggest staying sane by doing something that feels like you are making a positive difference, regularly reading good news and connecting with others. Go and find your local Climate Action Group, Divest group and People Planet Pint. Get Katharine Hayhoe's newsletter, check Assaad Razzouk's weekly good news LinkedIn posts, plus sign up to We Don't Have Time, Every One of Us and Mothertree's email list. Connect with me if you want to have a sympathetic no judgement chat, it's free and refreshing, I promise.
Stay strong, stay hopeful, and stay positive.
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