Self-care is Important!
February 23, 2025
Resisting Trump's fascist regime is not just a political struggle, it’s an emotional and mental one too. In a time when the stakes feel, and are, impossibly high, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, exhausted, and burned out. The constant onslaught of bad news and the seemingly endless attacks on democracy can drain even the most dedicated activists. But staying in the fight requires sustaining yourself. Avoiding burnout is not a luxury, it’s a necessity if we are to continue resisting effectively.
One of the most important steps to avoid burnout is recognizing your limits. Activism is a marathon, not a sprint, and no one can do everything. It’s easy to feel like you must be constantly engaged, reading every piece of news, responding to every crisis, but this approach is unsustainable. Instead, focus on the areas where you can make the most difference and allow yourself to step back when needed. Giving yourself permission to take breaks doesn’t mean you’re giving up, it means you’re saving your energy for the long haul.
Staying connected with like-minded people is another crucial way to maintain your resilience. Isolation can amplify feelings of hopelessness, but being part of a community provides both emotional support and practical guidance. Whether through local activist groups, online forums, or community events, finding a network where you can share experiences and frustrations can help lighten the load, emotional and physical. These connections remind you that you are not alone, and that collective action is powerful.
It’s also vital to balance activism with activities that bring you joy and peace. Engaging in hobbies you love, whether that’s reading, gardening, painting, or playing music, etc. can provide a crucial mental escape from the intensity of political work. Spending quality time with family and friends helps ground you in the present and reinforces the personal relationships that sustain us. Taking vacations, even if they’re just short weekend getaways or staycations, can offer a much-needed reset. Stepping away from the fight temporarily does not mean abandoning it. It means coming back stronger, with renewed focus and energy.
Physical self-care cannot be overlooked either. Activism often involves long hours, stressful situations, and emotional labor, all of which take a toll on your body. Simple but essential habits like getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, and exercising regularly can make a big difference. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s a critical part of staying effective in the movement.
Consuming news and social media mindfully is another way to protect yourself from burnout. While staying informed is essential, the 24-hour news cycle can be overwhelming and toxic. Set boundaries around your media consumption, perhaps limiting yourself to checking the news once or twice a day, and be intentional about where you get your information. Relying on reputable sources and avoiding doom-scrolling can help you stay informed without becoming paralyzed by anxiety.
Finding tangible actions you can take is another way to combat burnout. Helplessness fuels despair but taking concrete steps, whether it’s calling your representatives, volunteering for a campaign, or participating in local advocacy efforts, can empower you and give you a sense of control. Even small acts matter. Writing postcards, sharing information on social media, or supporting progressive candidates can have a cumulative impact. Focusing on what you can do, rather than what you can’t, helps channel anger and frustration into productive and rewarding action.
Another way to sustain yourself is to celebrate victories, no matter how small. It’s easy to focus only on what’s still wrong but recognizing the progress that has been made is important for maintaining morale. Whether it’s a local policy win, a court ruling in favor of democracy, or simply the fact that people are still resisting, these all matter. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate them, both personally and collectively.
It’s also helpful to diversify the ways you engage with the movement. If one form of activism is draining you, try shifting your focus. If you’re exhausted by phone banking, consider supporting legal defense funds or community aid programs. If you’re tired of social media advocacy, explore creative forms of resistance like writing letters, organizing projects, or participating in mutual aid networks. There are countless ways to contribute, and no one method is more valid than another. Finding activities that align with your strengths and interests helps keep you motivated.
Humor can also be a surprisingly powerful tool for survival. In dark times, the ability to laugh at the absurdity of it all, at the incompetence of those in power, at the resilience of the human spirit, can be a form of resistance in itself. Seek out media, books, and entertainment that make you laugh and remind you that joy is still possible. Sharing humor with others can also strengthen your sense of community and provide a temporary reprieve from the seriousness of the work. It is amazing how a good belly laugh can improve your day.
Understanding that you are part of a long struggle can provide comfort and perspective. Social movements throughout history have faced immense challenges, and those who came before us endured setbacks and hardships. But they kept going. Knowing that your work is part of a larger legacy of justice and liberation can be a source of strength. Read about past movements, draw inspiration from their resilience, and remind yourself that change is always possible.
Setting realistic expectations is key to avoiding burnout. The forces we’re up against are vast and entrenched and change often happens slowly. It’s easy to become disillusioned when progress feels incremental or when setbacks occur. Accepting that no one person can fix everything, and that even small actions contribute to a larger movement can help sustain your motivation. Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.
Finally, allow yourself to rest without guilt. In a culture that glorifies productivity, rest can feel like a radical or lazy act. But rest is essential for sustaining long-term resistance. Recognize that taking care of yourself allows you to take care of others. When you rest, you replenish your capacity to fight. Prioritize sleep, relaxation, and personal well-being as integral parts of your activism.
The battle against fascism is not just external, it is also internal. Taking care of yourself is a form of resistance. By preserving your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, you ensure that you can continue to fight for justice and democracy over the long haul. The work is urgent, but so is your health. By caring for yourself, you are helping to sustain the collective struggle for a better world. So yes, this is a long battle and will take continued effort. But by taking care of ourselves, and by working together, we will win the war.
