Healthy tips for reducing climate anxiety and making a difference
Guest article by Joe Rees
Image via Pexels
Climate change is a major issue for many young people today. It’s easy to become stressed and anxious when you hear about rising sea levels, extreme heat or other environmental problems linked to climate change. But here’s the thing: you can’t care for the planet if you don’t foster your own health and well-being. It’s essential to manage your climate anxiety as you take practical steps to combating climate change in your daily life. These tips will help you get started.
Address your anxiety
Many of us experience climate anxiety caused by an uncertainty about what the future holds for the planet and its inhabitants. More and more young people are claiming to live with some level of climate anxiety. And many are finding ways to act on their fears and convictions.
While climate change activism can be beneficial, fostering your mental health and well-being is much more important. Learn to identify your fear and anxiety so you can develop a healthy routine that relieves some of your stress.
On the days you’re overwhelmed, turn off the climate news. It’s essential to realise that there is often a bias to media narratives, and scientists are still learning more about the causes and potential impacts of climate change each day. Don’t let the fear of an impending natural disaster control your life or let a sense of hopelessness cause you to freeze.
Focus your thoughts, time and efforts on things you can control and changes you can make. Maybe that means raising climate awareness or purchasing eco-friendly products. Perhaps it means organising a climate strike or getting a smart thermostat. Think of simple steps you can take to resolve your anxiety and feel like you’re making a positive impact in the world.
Adjust your transportation
When it comes to practical changes you can make in your daily life, start by adjusting how you travel. Opt for taking a train or renting an electric car instead of flying where you can.
Also, consider your daily commute to school, work, or other activities. You might be surprised how far you can walk or ride a bike once you get into a rhythm. What’s more, this research from the University of Oxford highlights that cycling will help us reach net zero ten times more quickly than switching to electric cars. And you’ll be benefiting your physical health while saving the planet.
Use energy-efficient products
Look for opportunities to conserve energy in your daily life. Today, there are more high-quality, energy-efficient technologies than ever before. Research smart thermostats, eco-friendly light bulbs, low-flow showerheads and other products that benefit the environment. You’ll also notice your energy bill coming down.
Start a business
If you have a mind for business and want to use your knowledge and skills for good, consider launching a company dedicated to climate change awareness, activism, or another eco-friendly cause. What better way to combat your climate anxiety than to feel a sense of making a tangible difference through your work.
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, as you’ll have many creative and administrative tasks to handle as you set your business up. But it can be a thoroughly rewarding career path.
For example, you’ll need to develop a visual identity that distinguishes your brand from others. Instead of hiring a professional, look for an online logo design tool to create your own logo, and look for other digital marketing tools that can aid your promotional efforts. Check out this helpful guide for a quick run through everything you’ll need to consider.
If you're suffering from climate anxiety, know that you’re not alone. But it’s crucial to address your anxiety and find solutions for making your daily life less stressful. And on your journey, you can start incorporating eco-conscious habits and purchases into your routine.
You can explore Jen’s eco-blog here, or learn about the copywriting and editing services she provides.
This guest feature was written by Joe Rees of Catastrophes.info. Inspired by storm chasers of the past, Joe Rees dedicated his life to protecting his family amidst storms of growing intensities. From this inspiration, he tries his best to reach out to various audiences about protecting oneself and family against natural disasters.