Helpful Ways to Calm Your Eco-Anxiety

Eco-anxiety, or anxiety about the state of the environment and the impact of human actions on the planet, is a common and valid concern. With the overwhelming amount of information about environmental issues and the scale of the problems we face, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless.

However, there are steps you can take to manage your eco-anxiety and make a positive difference.

Find Ways to Get Involved

One of the most helpful ways to cope with eco-anxiety is to find ways to get involved and make a positive impact. This can include volunteering for environmental organizations, participating in beach cleanups or other community service projects, or even supporting environmentally-conscious businesses.

Taking action can give you a sense of purpose and agency, and help you feel like you are making a difference. It doesn’t have to be something huge too, it can be small habits you add to your daily routine.

Set Realistic Goals

It’s important to remember that you can’t solve all of the world’s environmental problems on your own. Instead of trying to do everything at once, set realistic goals for yourself and focus on making small, incremental changes.

This can include reducing your energy consumption, using reusable bags and containers, or supporting environmentally-friendly products. Every little bit helps, and by setting achievable goals, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and burned out.

Find Ways to Relax and Unwind

Taking care of yourself is important when managing eco-anxiety. Make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Taking breaks and finding ways to relax can help you recharge and feel more able to cope with the challenges we face.

Connect with Others

Sharing your concerns and feelings with others can be a helpful way to cope with eco-anxiety. Connecting with like-minded individuals, whether through online communities or in-person support groups, can provide a sense of solidarity and help you feel less alone.

It can also be helpful to talk with friends and family about your concerns and work together to come up with solutions.

Final thoughts

Eco-anxiety is a valid and understandable concern, but by taking steps to get involved, set realistic goals, relax and unwind, and connect with others, you can manage your anxiety and make a positive impact on the world.