Understand and cope with eco-anxiety.
Between devastating wildfires, heat waves, hurricanes, flooding, and the constant rappel that our planet is in danger, we’re all feeling worried about the future of our planet, for our kids and grandkids.
We cannot ignore the problem, or let our emotions "boil inside", it won’t ease our burden.
Climate change is happening, and the feeling of eco-anxiety is real.
Here are some tips to cope with it and make a difference.
It's ok to not be ok
Climate anxiety is emerging as a serious mental health concern, particularly among children, teens, and young adults, with symptoms ranging from frustration to unrelenting anxiety.anxiety
The symptoms are:
Feeling overwhelmed about environmental issues
Excessive worry about the future
Obsession about environmental news, weather forecast, recycling, and waste
Feeling anger, frustration, guilt, shame, stress
Fatigue, headache, chest pain, lack of sleep...
First of all, it is important to understand and accept that these feelings and symptoms are normal responses. What is happening is scary and overwhelming. It is expected to feel concerned and hopeless; it means you care about the planet.
When you have accepted this feeling, avoid catastrophizing, and being trapped in negative thoughts. This will only intensifie your powerless and hopeless state of mind.
Instead, try the "17 seconds method", to attract positive thoughts and find the strength to take actions.
How to calm down and cope with eco-anxiety
Imagine a better place What Is The 17 Second Manifestation Rule? The theory behind this rule is to get you to think and focus purely for 17 seconds.
According to Abraham Hicks, we have the power to place our attention wherever we want, and we can direct our attention from something unwanted and put it back on something we desire (www.oursubconsciousmind.com)
"When you hold a thought for 17 seconds, you are setting it in motion for manifestation"
Find a quiet and distraction-free spot Take a few deep breaths, get into a positive headspace
When you feel good, choose one thing to manifest Set up a timer for 17 seconds Focus on a positive image about the environment or manifest for 17 seconds, associate this image with a positive emotion: focus entirely on this one task and don’t allow anything to appear in your mind.
When the timer goes off, set it up for 51 seconds: allow the thought to be more detailed and more intense for the rest of the 51 seconds.
Show gratitude and go on with your day, or maybe set up an action.
Connect with others
Be reassured that there is nothing wrong with you, and many people are struggling with eco-anxiety. Talking, sharing, and connecting with other like-minded people can reduce feelings of climate anxiety. Also connecting with people and organizations that protect the environment will give you support and make you feel less alone, it would even boost resilience and increase positive thoughts.
Taking action is a good remedy to eco-anxiety
Start with individual actions and stick to them
Gather information and datas about your personal green habits.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Adopt new green practices (recycling, reusing, walking....) that align with your values
Share the love
Take action as a family, talk, and extend these green habits to your entourage, your friends, community, your school and see the "ripple effect" do its magic.
Know where to take a break. This journey to overcome eco-anxiety is not a sprint but a marathon. (How to get family on board)
Ask for help
Overcoming climate anxiety demands swift changes in your daily lifestyle but it is emotional work. That work can be heavy to carry on our own, and a therapist can often provide a safe place to gain confidence, self-compassion and clarity.
Final words
We do have only one planet; we all care about it; we all feel the same but together we can support each other and make a difference.
Have compassion for yourself and others. Be consistent and patient, we often are our worst judges. Do what you can with what you have and when you can!
