If you are spending your days feeling increasingly overwhelmed and powerless about all that is happening in the world, the best antidote is to take action.
And maybe you know this already, but you feel totally unclear of what action to take, where to even start.
So here is a list for you to stick up on your wall and use as inspiration.
The key is: think about what you would see more of in a better world (this could be ANYTHING from more equal rights, to more laughter, to more art, to more community, to more tree-hugging, to more rest, to more charity or mutual aid etc etc), and then DO THAT THING.
It does not have to be a big political action, or something which seems activism-related.
It can be big or small. Every little action helps. Every single one.
Community care
Reach out to a friend or family member just to connect!
Reach out to someone you know who may need some extra support at the moment – listen to them, offer them compassion, offer them practical help.
Strike up conversation with the shop assistant or barista or anyone else you come across today.
Volunteer – for anything which feels a good fit for your passion & skills
Smile at strangers and say ‘hello’ (if you feel safe to do so)
Give money or food to a local foodbank
Join local groups in things you enjoy – running, knitting, pottery, art, choir, yoga, books, movies.
Declutter one area in your home and give things away to people, perhaps via FB or Freecycle.
Offer help to those in your neighbourhood or building
Plant trees, or help maintain community gardens/parks/allotments.
Pick up a piece of rubbish you see on the ground and stick it in the nearest bin
Honour your local recycling schemes as best you can (e.g. take those old electronics & batteries to the council dump instead of in your general rubbish)
Practice empathy & kindness even in your more challenging relationships (this doesn’t mean accepting poor behaviour or ignoring your boundaries – a topic for another day!)
Find opportunities to make people laugh, have fun, play, find joy. This stuff is crucial.
Money talks
Donate money to a charity, organisation or party you think is doing good work
Make your next purchase locally, or from an independent business, instead of from a big online company that rhymes with Flamazon.
Find minority-owned businesses to support and buy from.
Take a look at this list (https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethicalcampaigns/boycotts) and see which places you can boycott based on issues you care about.
Buy second hand or from charity shops
If you have money invested, look into transferring it to ethical funds
If you have money saved, consider moving it away from some of the big banks
Direct political action
Join a political party you can (mostly) stand behind
Call or email your MP about something you are concerned about
Sign a petition
Join a protest
Search for local political activist groups in your area
Write and/or share a post on social media about an issue you care about
Vote, when you can.
Use your skills - Offer whatever is your specific skillset/knowledge to an organisation or lobby group you support (it could be anything - accounting, UX, copywriting, logo design, education, business advice, research, coaching/psychological support, comms, branding, tech development, comedy writing, art creating, singing, whatever!)
Create things
Paint, sketch, crochet, write, sing, photograph, make, build, create things.
Art inspires and brings beauty into the world.
Combine this with community if possible!
Your own wellbeing (YES this counts - and yes it is important)
Move your body, in any way which feels good
Learn how to regulate your nervous system, and practice it
Get out into nature
Meditate
Get some proper rest
Find something playful, fun or joyful to do every day
Connect with others (communal care and self care need to be closer to the same thing!)
If you feel helpless, help more.
Comments