Lightbulbs and Activism
A group of glowing lightbulbs
How many activists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Only one.
How many does it take to screw in 100 light bulbs? What about 1000?
Like changing a single lightbulb, individual activism is powerful. But when the tasks multiply, as with screwing in 100 or 1,000 bulbs, teamwork and balance become essential.
As activists, we are stronger when we work together, when we share the load and allow ourselves to take breaks and regroup. When we collaborate, our activism is stronger and much more sustainable.
The very nature of activism makes it all too easy to neglect our needs in order to participate in the causes we care about, this is especially true for those of us that don't have a lot of energy to spend in the first place.
So, how do we take care of ourselves? Here's some tips from STOP members:
Turn your phone notifications off, put on an album or podcast that you love, and go for a walk or stroll outside. Nothing is so urgent that you can’t take at least 30 minutes to enjoy some fresh air and reset!
Dedicate some time each week to non-activism activities (eg a hobby, team sport, catching up with loved ones, or even just an evening relaxing at home) and stick to it. This can be an important boundary to set, to keep balance and avoid feeling overwhelmed and burned out.
Debrief with trusted people who care about you and empathise with your activism and mission.
Try to move your body every day! Incorporating daily movement, like a short walk or a dance session, can clear your head and relieve stress.
Try out journaling. Sometimes it can be easier to declutter and process the thoughts in your head by writing them down. It can be hard to stay on top of every day, but I always try to write down at least one thing that went well during that day and that I am grateful for. This can help to focus on the positives even on the overwhelming days!
Say no when you need to. It can be tempting to take up every opportunity to support your community and advocate for what’s right. We need to listen to our bodies to know when to rest and recharge so we don’t burn out!
Engage your senses! You can take a warm bubble bath, drink an ice cold drink, or light a candle.
Understand your triggers. It is much easier to recover from being triggered when we understand why something makes us feel the way it does. Knowing your triggers can help you recognise when you are triggered and need some extra self care.
Sleep! Making sure to get enough sleep can not only replenish your energy, but it can also help reduce stress and improve both your physical and mental health.
Activism thrives when we care for ourselves as much as we care for the causes we champion. By making self-care a priority, we can sustain our energy, amplify our impact, and continue shining light on what matters most.
- Written by Ollie Peppermint, Leadership team member