Whether it’s protesting on the streets or organising social-media campaigns, advocating for change can take its toll. Here, a social justice professor reflects on the importance of regularly taking stock of your wellbeing
Social justice advocacy requires the mind, body, and soul being connected in a way where they don’t war with each other. They need to work in harmony. This can be hard when things get overwhelming, but it’s important to keep in mind that much of the fight for global justice, big and small, is to make the world more liveable – for you as well as all its other inhabitants.
However active you are as a changemaker, it’s important to analyse how that participation in a movement or campaigning for a cause manifests itself physically. If it brings ill-health, it might be necessary to explore alternative ways to support your cause, while still respecting and using your abilities. Fighting for change, after all, should honour who you are and make the best use of you and your talents.
Below are ten tips for looking after you and the world.
1. IDENTIFY which issues and causes make sense for you, your time, your family, and will have the most impact for your expected outcomes. Consider your responsibilities and how they go alongside what’s required of your participation.
There are many ways to fight for change. It could include volunteering, sending messages of hope and love to those who need it, writing action letters, forming discussion groups, and presenting people with valuable resources.
2. GIVE yourself a reality check in terms of what you can physically and emotionally contribute when it comes to offering yourself to the cause.
3. EVALUATE how your participation affects you in public and private spaces, including at home, among family and friends, or at work with close colleagues or associates.
4. REVIEW your sleeping and eating habits. Grabbing food on the go or eating while working can be synonymous with social justice work and quickly become habitual. Short spurts of sleep from late night to early morning will take their toll on the body.
5. DEVELOP a balanced approach to how much information you take in about your cause. This might mean separating your advocacy from other spaces in your life. Mix up your TV viewing and what you choose to read. It also doesn’t hurt to change the conversation once in a while. Taking a break from constant feeds of information is vital to keeping strong.
6. MAKE sure equal time is spent paying attention to other things. It’s likely what you’re advocating for and hope to see won’t come overnight so try to remember other interests you have and spend time enjoying them.
7. DO things completely unrelated to your cause. Paint, listen to music, meditate, cook a new meal, or be physical in ways that require you to acknowledge your body and presence.
8. SEE yourself outside of your social justice advocacy work. Take breaks and pauses and learn to be still every so often.
9. TALK to people who can give informed opinions and different perspectives on issues. Identify topics and people that increase your anxiety. You don’t have to avoid them, but recognise when their discussion or presence might be too much, and find ways either to redirect the conversation or leave respectfully.
10. SPEND time alone and remember to keep notes about yourself and your work in the movement. Importantly, congratulate yourself on all your successes, no matter their size.
Remember, it’s better to be absent, recharging your energy levels, than present and burned out. So give yourself permission to reflect mindfully on the work and your role, while always showing yourself empathy, awareness, and sensitivity.
Words: Regina A Bernard
