Are you struggling against a constant and overwhelming sadness for our planet? A tightness in your heart that grows when you meet climate deniers and lose hope on a humanity that might turn things around? If you relate with these emotions then you are not alone in this despair, welcome to the world of eco-anxiety.
A consensus by The Washington Post shows that the majority of teens are experiencing intense eco-anxiety: over 57% of American young adults expressed feeling afraid and angry about climate change.
In a world of looming catastrophes and crazy political scenarios it is important that we talk and understand the emotional impact that climate change is having on our mental states. The feeling of hopelessness can be devastating and thoughts about the future can become unthinkable. Yet in these moments of social disruption and environmental concerns we should transfer this anxiety into actions and use daily reminders and mechanisms, such as meditation, to regain balance and perspective.
Here are a couple of tips on how to quell your eco-anxiety:
taken from mindful.org
- Meditate: meditation is a practice that helps you take control of your emotions and thoughts. Widely practiced in the East, apps such as Calm, Bodhi and Headspace are making this ancient tranquil practice reachable to all. Take 10 minutes a day from your daily routine and dedicate it towards understanding your mind. Studies show that if you do this for 30 consecutive days meditation will soon enter into your habits.
- Think Globally, Act Locally: Climate Change is an all-encompassing wide ranging series of issues that are impossible to tackle by any one individual. Yet as we’ve seen with the strikes, a small local act can go a long long way. Try to implement solutions or partake in actions that involve your reachable community.
- Surround Yourself with Optimism: convincing the deniers is great, yet it can be daunting and frustrating. Concentrate on surrounding yourself with like-minded and positive changemakers that will help you realise that you are not fighting this battle alone.
- La Vita è Bella: Remind yourself that the best weapon you have is to showcase the wonderful potential and vitality our nature holds, this means you should enjoy it. Spend some time in nature and invoke that clear mind that only nature knows how to instil. Article By: Isabella Cavalletti
