Fighting On All Fronts

Fighting on all Fronts

Good people I know are spread pretty thin. We were worn and ragged before. For decades now demands have increased while our quality of life (and subsequently our health) has gone down.

We’re tired. We’re weary. We’re wary. Where even are we?

And it’s just starting.

I think we know that. We’ve been fighting this all of our lives.

As we prepare for the long-haul, there are some things we need to accept, and be proactive about.

Activism is exhausting. Patriarchy is exhausting. Capitalism is exhausting. The Cult of the Ego is exhausting. Nazis are exhausting. Loveland City Council is exhausting.

Rest

I know, I know, I know.

It’s hard to stop. Your cortisol is through the roof. Your mind is swirling with anxieties, and they’re all based in tangible reality. You can’t sleep unless the monster under your bed is standing guard for you. Even then, there’s the sense of running out of time, things undone, and battles that need fighting.

We have to rest, or burnout will happen early. Schedule it in. Prioritize it. Know when you’re hitting your limits. Know BEFORE you’re hitting your limits.

Rest.

Nourish

This part is important, and I’m going to say it after I admit that I’m a hypocrite and please know that while I’m typing it, I’m reading this advice for me too.

When you CAN choose nutrition- choose it. It’s hard to remember that our bodies need vitamins and that processed food is addictive poison when life is so off kilter.

We can also work in groups (looking at my Lovelanders here) and coordinate nutritious cooked food for those spread too thin. I struggle to leave the house, but I can make a gourmet soup while disseminating information.

Hot food prepared by a human who loves us if feeds our spirit.

If you can’t get nutrition, because it’s not just that easy, please remember to eat. Set alarms when you have to. Passing out and recovering from exhaustion take more time than a protein bar.

Exercise

The strains on our bodies have all increased, and many of us were fighting with our bodies to begin with. Now, we’re pushing it. For those running their booties off, this may seem like a eyeroller of a suggestion, but stretch.

Stretching supports your joints, and releases important neurochemicals to ward off burnout.

Slow, purposeful breathing can reset the parasympathetic nervous system and give you a second wind. It helps clear the mind, and enables us to think. It helps us feel grounded and connected. Cells like oxygen. It makes your mitochondria smile, and we need those little powerhouses smiling.

Taking a walk, if you can (and can afford the time- I get it) can be connective, restorative, and brings a ton of health benefits. Whether you have a walking friend or you’re getting a moment of you time, this is a power move if you can fit it in.

If you can’t “take a walk,” but you have to stop at the store, walk restoratively to the store. Calm your mind before you get out of the car. Buffer between the chaos and your calm. Take determined strides. Move in balance and purpose. Breathe.

Mindfulness has multiplicit benefits. (My spell checker says multiplicit isn’t a word, but I beg to differ.)

If you can, there’s so much benefit to be gained from reaching your target heart rate, sweating, and exploring your range of motion.

Breathe

I know I already brought it up, because it’s hard to do anything without breathing, and that’s kind of the point.

When you’re overwhelmed- Take a Deep Breath
When it feels too big- Take a Deep Breath
When you’re in dismay- Take a Deep Breath
When you’re thrown a curveball- Throw That F^<|<er Back at Them, then Take a Deep Breath (Priorities, amirite?)

Guilt

Don’t.

But really, don’t. I know it’s hard, especially when working with vulnerable populations, to watch the level of suffering and not feel guilty for having food, or a roof, or being able to use the bathroom, or for sitting down in a comfortable chair.

It feels unfair, because we are especially tuned in to the inequality of it, and feeling all more deeply because we’re trying desperately to get the privileged predators to see it too.

Care for yourself with the same love you are giving those who need you. They love you too. They want you to be ok, and your suffering won’t end theirs, but your ability to take this on and fight this will.

And there’s that thing about oxygen masks on the plane.

I love you all! Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. We’re in this together.