Alleviating Concerns About Climate Change Impact
Right, let's talk about the elephant in the room: climate change. This bugger is causing all sorts of trouble for our community, from affecting our health to wrecking our food sources and causing more frequent natural disasters. It's no wonder people are freaking out, coining a new term: climate anxiety.
You don't have to be directly impacted by climate change to feel anxious about it. Climate anxiety is all about worrying about the future environment, grieving over lost places, and generally feeling scared about the state of our planet. And let's be real, climate change is a big, scary threat.
But here's the thing: feeling anxious about climate change is totally natural. However, we don't want our anxiety to paralyze us. Instead, let's take action. So, here are some ways to deal with your climate anxiety:
Take a Chill Pill
When faced with anxiety, most mental health pros will tell you to take a deep breath and step back from the situation. Climate change is a lot to process, so give yourself a moment to chill out, center yourself, and be mindful.
Unplug and Reset
Media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to climate change. Sure, it helps us understand what's going on, but it can also be overwhelming. Take some time to unplug and give your mind a break.
Once you've had a break, think about changing up your news feed. Look for channels that focus on the positive side of climate action, like people making a difference or recovery stories.
Take a Hard Look at Your Lifestyle
Climate change can make us feel like our actions don't matter. But they do! You don't have to make drastic changes to reduce your carbon footprint. Small steps like recycling, composting, or eating plant-based meals can make a big difference. Check out Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Jackson's interview with The New York Times for more inspiration on how to make a positive impact.
Get Social
Anxiety can make us feel lonely, but connecting with others is one of the best ways to combat it. Join local groups that share your interests and take action together. Find your local AMC chapter and get involved in events that focus on climate change and conservation.
Vote and Get Involved
Probably the most powerful way to support the environment is to vote and get involved in the civic process. Research candidates running for office and make sure you're voting for someone who aligns with your environmental values. Want to take it to the next level? Sign up for AMC's Conservation Action Network to stay updated on local conservation initiatives and opportunities to participate.
Remember, climate change is scary, but it doesn't have to overwhelm you. Acknowledge your feelings, take care of yourself, and take action. With a little effort, we can all make a difference.
- Engaging in environmental-science and learning about the positive strides people are making in addressing climate change, such as recovery stories and individuals making a difference, can help alleviate feelings of mental-health concerns related to climate anxiety.
- By actively participating in health-and-wellness practices like mindfulness and taking breaks from overwhelming media content, and simultaneously advocating for climate action through voting, joining groups, and getting involved in local initiatives, individuals can effectively manage their climate anxiety while contributing to the betterment of the environment and our planet.
