Navigating Our Emotions - Strategies To Stay Sane!

Working in sustainability, driven by your deep commitment to do all you can in this defining decade can be an incredibly rewarding journey, however, due to the enormity of our circumstances and the need to achieve so much in such a short period of time it’s can become really hard to manage the emotions this work brings up. I know you are committed to addressing the pressing environmental issues, seeking solutions, and advocating for positive change. However, this journey is extremely emotionally taxing, and it is essential to look after your wellbeing and address the emotions it brings up. In this blog, we'll explore some of the emotions commonly experienced in this field and offer steps to manage them effectively.

Emotions we can be dealing with often:

1.??? Eco-Anxiety: The overwhelming concern for the planet's health and the future can lead to eco-anxiety. We are acutely aware of the urgent need for action, which can trigger feelings of powerlessness and despair.

2.??? Frustration: Dealing with bureaucratic obstacles, corporate resistance, or slow progress towards sustainable goals can lead to frustration. It may seem like the impact we desire is taking too long to materialize.

3.??? Hopelessness: When confronted with the enormity of the challenges we face, feelings of hopelessness can creep in, making us question whether our efforts are making any difference.

4.??? Guilt: We can feel a sense of guilt about the inaction of our generation, that we didn’t do more to stop the destruction of the planet for our children, despite our best intentions.

5.??? Burnout: The passion to create change can sometimes lead to overcommitment and burnout. It's common to feel emotionally drained and physically exhausted due to the relentless pursuit of your goals to create a brighter future for our children.

One thing we must recognise…

I know it can feel selfish to take time to rest, recharge and reconnect with why we do this work however, if we don’t do this we can find ourselves loosing sight of what we are trying to achieve, ourselves and the other important roles we play in others lives be that your kids, partner, or close relationships. To tackle the big issues of climate change we need to ensure we can manage effectively how this affects us on a day by day basis, otherwise we could end up being ineffective and loosing ourselves in the process.

Empathy for Our Emotions:

Recognizing and validating these emotions is the first step towards building emotional resilience. As leaders and professionals working in the climate space, it's natural to feel deeply connected to the cause, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Allowing ourselves to feel these emotions without judgment is key. Remember that your emotions are an indication of your commitment and passion for the planet's well-being.

How do you do that? Well, below you’ll find some examples. They are not exhaustive, and you may need to experiment with a few of these to see what works for you. After all we are all unique, brilliant human beings.

Practical Steps to Manage Emotions:

1.??? Connect with your community: Connect with like-minded individuals or join groups to share your experiences and emotions. Engaging in conversations with peers who understand your journey can provide immense comfort and reassurance. Make time for this on a regular basis, it will help you feel energised and remind you of why you do what you do.

2.??? Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Meditation, deep breathing, or simply spending time in nature can help alleviate stress and anxiety, enabling you to focus on the present moment.

3.??? Set Realistic Goals: Break down your goals into manageable and achievable steps. Celebrate each milestone and recognize the progress you've made, regardless of its scale. Every small positive change counts. I like to have a celebration session every Friday where I celebrate the progress I have made, however, small.

4.??? Educate and Advocate: Knowledge is empowering. Educate yourself on other ways of managing yourself, test them out to see what works best for you. Share this knowledge with others to create awareness and foster a sense of collective support.

5.??? Balanced Approach: Remember that it's essential to strike a balance between your professional and personal life. This can be the trickiest because we often feel taking time to rest, relax and have fun isn’t justifiable however, lots of our work requires creative thinking and I’m afraid that you can’t get creative sat behind a desk staring at a wall of hours on end, but you know this you’re a smart cookie. Take time to engage in activities you enjoy, connect with loved ones, and nurture your well-being. If you’ve lost track of what you really enjoy considering what you enjoyed as a child and do some experimenting.

6.??? Embrace Imperfection: Acknowledge that no one is perfect, and striving for perfection can be counterproductive. Embrace your journey, with its ups and downs, and understand that progress takes time. I find it helpful to remember that imperfectly done is better than perfectly done!

7.??? Celebrate Successes: Celebrate every success, big or small and I mean everything. Whether it's a big policy change, a sustainable project, or a positive impact on a community, take pride in your contributions they are your butterfly effect and together all of these add up to big changes. Every small positive change counts. I like to have a celebration session every Friday where I celebrate the progress I have made, however, small.

Summary

The work you do and the way you do it is vital in creating a brighter future for our children but don’t underestimate the emotional roller coaster that comes along with doing this work and caring the way you do. It’s important that we can navigate these emotions and build our own resilience. By taking practical steps, we can manage the emotional toll of our work effectively. Remember that you are not alone in this journey.

If you’d like to talk about how I can help you find what works for you, why not arrange a call with me. What have you got to lose?

Book a call with Fran