Being an activist is morally liberating and righteous, yet it can be quite exhausting. Activism by definition is vigorous and intense. It’s supposed to be. And that can get to you. It can get to anybody. That doesn’t in any way imply that you’re weak. It actually implies that you’re strong enough to fight for a cause that matters to you till the point that it wears you out, which means you’ve got strength and passion.
Activism makes you feel alive but it can also make you feel like absolute shit when things get too intense. And that is only human. We mistakenly take that to be as a weakness or assume we’re not fit for activism. While the truth is, your mental health is totally valid and you have to pay it attention. Even if that means you’ve got to take a break. What’s the point of your activism if you’re not physically or mentally fit for it? There is no ideal activist. Just specific, powerful revolutionaries who have to be positive yet practical.
Balancing out the scales between activism and self-care is vital. Understand and note your capacity; you are not another person. You are you. And your capacity might be extremely different from someone else’s. Don’t compare, just comprehend and focus. If you tend to get bothered after a week of intense activism, then maybe a break for a few days is a good idea, so you can get back on track with full force. You have to energize yourself because it’s a constant fight against established norms and institutions.
Find things that help you maintain yourself. Do makeup, read a good light hearted book, watch a romantic comedy or keep a journal! Keeping a journal is a brilliant way to let go of the stresses and tensions that activism comes with and it helps you keep a track of how, when and what triggers you. Try to actively avoid those triggers.
Finding happiness and hope in little things always helps. It could be food, or a tv series, or even just hanging out with someone you love and care about. Something that genuinely makes you happy will also lighten whatever stress activism might cause you.
Remember not to force yourself to form an opinion if you don’t want to, because you really don’t have to. Being an activist doesn’t necessarily mean you always have to have an opinion on something if you think it might be triggering for you. Sometimes you have to avoid that conversation or argument if it means preserving your sanity for a little while longer. You don’t always have to get involved.
Put yourself first. It doesn’t make you selfish, it just makes you sensible. And your activism isn’t lessened by it. Lastly, just hold on. Stay strong and maintain the balance. Seek whoever you have to and keep whatever you have to keep close in order to retain your health.
