Joy & Rest While Fighting Fascism

Fighting fascism, supporting human rights and working in our community can't be done without caring for ourselves and one another. Many of you are doing this hard work in your professional and personal lives.

This moment calls for action along with JOY and REST. I remind myself daily that these are the only days I get, so I cannot let them be stolen from me. Balance is key.

“You are amazing and so brilliant and cool” and “Your work makes a greater impact than you may ever know.” says Vu Le of Nonprofit AF.

I agree!

We are in this together. Please consider sharing this or a tip/resource you like from here with your team.

Tips

I am far from perfect here, as some of these are aspirational for me. Together, we can take on a couple of these and give them a try!

• Rest and joy. Rest and joy are not distractions, they are sustaining forces. Protect your nervous system and overall wellness. Do things you love!

• Acknowledge your feelings. This fosters self-compassion, clarity and better problem-solving, helping you build resilience and is better for your mental and physical health.

• Avoid doom-scrolling. Staying informed but avoid doom-scrolling. Choose specific times that are good for you and sources to get updates, rather than absorbing everything. Consider using "digital well-being” settings on your phone to help you limit your screen time.

• Connect with others. Community matters more than ever.  Work, celebrate, spend time with others you trust provides mutual support and prevents the isolation that can lead to despair.

• Move your body. Exercise releases endorphins and boosts mood. Go for walks, work out with friends, find a few exercise videos online that you can squeeze into your day.

• Be in nature. The beauty and calm allows for sensory engagement which releases stress and improves cognitive function.

• Explore art. View art, create art (coloring books count)- both are an outlet for complex emtotions, helps wth mindfuness and reduces stress.

• Practice mindfulness.  Deep breathing, meditation, journaling and focusing on your core values can help.

• Maintain routines. Eat well, keep your daily schedule and try to get enough sleep.

• Take small actions. Small, consistent actions matter more than constant urgency. Focus on winnable goals in your community. This approach builds momentum and provides tangible satisfaction, which helps prevent feelings of futility.

Resources

Sleep Stories

You can find these on YouTube and on the Calm app (there is a free version). These help me drift off to sleep when I have a restless brain as they help shift the  brain from alert to rest while engaging in a light story. These can be good for people who don’t as well with traditional meditation.

Mindfulness

Free mindfulness resources.

Online Fitness

Fitness Blender

Juice and Toya

Yoga with Adriene

Yoga with Jesmyn Stanley

Fabulous 50s (my go-to lately)

Be well, friends! You are needed, valued and your joy matters.