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Burnout is a condition to be treated with care and respect. It's awful hearing news of fellow activists being unable to get out of bed because they "just can't face things anymore".
Jamie Parker, a veteran community organiser, has a few tips to help avoid this dreaded phenomenon that can overwhelm the best of us:
- Sustainable activism is about recognising our limitations, potential and successes. If we only see the goal of a campaign, say, as closing a mine or saving a forest from being logged, then we are bound to lose many of our supporters and energy, as the objective is often many years away from victory.
- Doing anything counter to the status quo is a victory in itself! So celebrate the fact that your group has continued to meet for a year or more. Celebrate that your letter to the editor was published and raised your concerns as public issues. Every positive action is a victory and every campaign is a string of victories.
Look after yourself
Another factor in avoiding burnout is looking after yourself. It's all too common for activists to forget the importance of staying happy and healthy in their quest to help other causes. Remember to treat yourself as you would have others treat the planet.
- Eat well
- Exercise
- Make time for fun with family and friends
- Do things you enjoy
- Relax and unwind when you can
Further info
This site includes tips on meditation and relaxation and links to yoga schools.www.organicfooddirectory.com.au
Exhaustive list of organic food growers and suppliers in Australia. The Tourism Australia website links to all Australian national parks plus other wonderful holiday destinations, including maps and accommodation advice. Tai Chi Association of Australia
