How To: Balance Self-Care and Social Justice

What is activism? More like what isn’t activism! Being an activist for change can be attending protests and contacting legislators, but it can also be staying informed about legislative changes, caring about social causes, and creating awareness. No matter what kind of activism we take part in, one thing is true: activism can be draining. Not to mention, the constant stream of news and change coming from all directions can be overwhelming. So, how do we take care of ourselves while being passionate about social change and making the world a better place? 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is 

self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” 

- Audre Lorde

1. Set Clear Boundaries: It’s okay to not stretch yourself to the max for every cause and every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to say no sometimes, if it helps you conserve your energy for a different opportunity along the way. Acknowledge your limits and understand that your capacity for activism is affected by all of the other aspects of your life, that’s normal!

2. Unplug and Unwind: Try to strike a balance between staying informed and protecting your peace. Social media and technology are great tools to help you access news and content quickly, as long as you are aware of the risks of drowning in the virtual world. Try scheduling designated times to be on and offline to stay present and mindful.

3. Take a Break: Resting and taking care of yourself does not mean you have given up the cause, but it is crucial to prevent becoming burned out and ensure we can keep up the good fight long-term. Try to find moments of rest every day– feed your heart, body, and mind. 

   
   

4. Celebrate Every Win: It is easy to get caught in the cycle of feeling like our work is not valuable or like we are not doing enough. Focus on celebrating the positives, no matter how small they may be. Even the small steps are a step forward!

5. Remember Your “Why”: What radicalized you? What made you want to get involved? Reconnecting with our purpose and remembering why we started doing this work can help us set intentions and realistic goals for the future. 

6. Practice Patience: Social change often happens painstakingly slowly. Look to the past for inspiration and motivation to continue. Stay focused on what is within your control, stay committed, and keep your eye on the bigger picture. 

7. Allow Joy into Your Life: Even when it feels impossible, allow yourself to feel warmth, support, and fun. Activism is not always grueling and exhausting, activism can be support, projects, and finding a community in like-minded individuals. It’s possible (and recommended) to have fun along the way!

One of my all-time favorite parables to reference came from my days working in the nonprofit world, an emotionally intense field. The original story is often uncredited, called The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley, as the adaptations are far more popular. The version I tell goes like this: 

There was a little boy walking along the sand, when he stumbled upon a beach with hundreds of beached starfish. The little boy could see that the starfish, though their colors were dull, were still alive. So, he began to throw them back into the sea. When an older gentleman sees the little boy, he asks, “What are you doing? There must be hundreds of starfish, there is no way you’ll make a difference!” The little boy responds, “No, but I made a difference for this one.”

There will be a lot of times along the way that we feel we can’t possibly make a difference and we are too small, too weak, too inexperienced. If we find a community, if we stay aware, and if we keep our mission at heart, there is no limit to what we can achieve. We just cannot expect to always be fighting, we also need to breathe and rest. Be a Star Thrower and remember, you are a star too!

Maria