Written by RAIN's Chief Impact Officer and Sustainability Entrepreneur, Hannah Phang
Whilst self-care is sometimes criticised as self-centred or superficial, and many times it is, wellness is about a sustained effort to nurture our physical, mental, and emotional health. This results in our resilience, especially for those working to address these large-scale issues. When we take time to rest, recover, and recharge, we build out capacity for empathy, creativity, and long-term commitment, all of which are essential for creating impactful change.
Engaging in self-care—whether through mindfulness practices, exercise, spending time in nature, or building strong social connections—serves as a form of preventative mental health care. It helps us mitigate stress, preventing burnout and allowing us to show up fully in our personal and professional lives. When we're well-rested, emotionally grounded, and mentally clear, we’re better equipped to make thoughtful decisions, act with compassion, and engage in productive dialogue. We also foster a sense of stability within ourselves that can act as a counterbalance to the chaos of the external world.
The journey towards expanding your definition of wellness to include wider sustainability is deeply personal and will look different for each individual. Here are some actionable strategies to support both your personal wellness and environmental goals:
Practice Mindful Consumption
Before making purchases, ask yourself if the item is necessary, how it was produced, and if it aligns with your values. Simple shifts like choosing reusable over disposable items or supporting eco-friendly brands contribute to a sustainable lifestyle that is reflective of thoughtful decision-making.
Reconnect with Nature
Spending time in natural settings can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity. This connection also reinforces a personal sense of responsibility towards the environment, helping us feel more grounded and more committed to environmental action.
Cultivate a Support System
Building connections with like-minded individuals who care about sustainability can serve as both a support network and a source of inspiration. Together, you can share resources, attend local environmental events, and encourage each other through challenges, reminding each other of the value of self-care along the way.
Engage in Climate-Conscious Activism
Sometimes, taking meaningful action—such as joining a climate advocacy group, participating in community clean-ups, or supporting policy change—can alleviate some of the helplessness associated with climate anxiety. Small acts accumulate over time, creating collective momentum that fosters optimism and a sense of agency. See what young climate activists are doing as inspiration.
Prioritise Mental Health
Activities such as meditation, journalling, or therapy can be powerful tools in managing anxiety and cultivating inner resilience. Mental health care equips us to handle the complexities of the world with clarity and purpose, ensuring that our activism and sustainable practices are grounded in hope and possibility.
When we prioritise our wellness, we equip ourselves to tackle the pressing issues in our families, our communities, and our world, from a place of stability and strength. It expands us to be able to make better decisions for ourselves and for the planet and its people. From this perspective personal wellness becomes a foundation of a sustainable, and socially conscious life, guiding us towards a better future for people and planet.
Happy World Sustainability Day!
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