How you can handle Eco Anxiety

Do you sometimes worry about the future of our planet? What will happen to the world, to us? Will we still be able to save the Earth? Will there be wars over food? Will we even have enough living space? Is it even fair to bring children into the world anymore? Such thoughts and fears are covered by the term "Eco-fear” (EnglishFeelings like sadness or despair can also arise. Sometimes it's quite difficult to let go of these thoughts and feelings and look positively towards the future...

Today I want to share with you some options and tips to help you deal with these environmental concerns and thoughts.

I find Greta Thunberg’s statement “I want you to panic” in a speech to parliament justified – when it is directed at politicians and world leaders who hesitate about climate policy or even deny climate change.
However, we shouldn't panic ourselves. We can all feel pressure to act without actually panicking.

When we're in a state of fear, panic, or stress, we can no longer think clearly. We're incapable of making rational decisions. How can we sustainably change the way we treat the planet?

We're all familiar with headlines like "The ice is melting," "We have 10 years to make a change—otherwise, everything is lost," or "One million species are threatened with extinction." How can you not be concerned when reading such things? Sadness and despair are also natural reactions to such news. It's all the more incomprehensible that some leading figures seem unwilling to do anything. After all, at some point, the survival of our species will depend on the Earth's resources...

How do I deal with eco anxiety?

1. Acceptance

Acceptance is arguably the most difficult step in this whole process. Acceptance doesn't mean simply sitting back and watching. Rather, it's about accepting that a certain duality exists. If we want to keep our eco-anxiety in check, we must learn to live with both the positive and the negative emotions. We don't have to condone the negative emotions or dwell on them, but we can acknowledge that they're there. Try to approach the situation mindfully. It's perfectly human to feel fear. But we don't have to identify with that fear. Let it be there, and then let it go.

Against eco anxiety it can also help to think of a mantra that you can recite when you are overwhelmed by such thoughts, z.B.: “God/Universe/…, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

2. Change your perspective

In the same way that we have to accept that bad things can happen, we also have to accept that good things can happen. This is often not so easy, especially when we are surrounded by a dystopian perspective. News, books, documentaries—everyone seems to believe in the apocalypse. These images quickly enter our minds. And because our minds think in images, it is difficult to get rid of these images.It is clear that in today's times we no longer have a positive, colorful, and cheerful image of the future...

But why don't we change that? What if we relied entirely on renewable energy? If every roof and every house were decorated with plants? What if these green spaces were used to grow organic food that could supply the entire neighborhood? What if we worked WITH nature instead of against it?

We need to transform the dystopian image of eco-anxiety into a utopian one. This helps us recognize what we are fighting for. A completely different feeling develops within us when we have a clear picture of exactly what we are fighting for, rather than simply thinking about survival. Having a concrete image in mind also helps us when we engage in conversations with people who aren't particularly concerned about our planet. It's also easier for us to take action when we have a clear vision in mind.

So take a moment to dream or journal about how beautiful the future could look. Describe the picture you have in mind in great detail. What does your What does a picture of a beautiful, green future look like? You can always return to this image in difficult situations to remind yourself of what you're committed to.

3. Exchange ideas and find support

Feeling overwhelmed often also brings with it a feeling of loneliness. It always helps to hear that we are not alone with our worries and fears. Confide in your loved ones and share your feelings.

If the people around you don't really understand your thoughts, it can also help to find a community with people who think like you. On Facebook, for example, there are several groups where people discuss zero waste and sustainable solutions. Almost every city in Germany now also has regular meetups where you can discuss all sorts of things with like-minded people!

The Fridays for Future demonstrations are also a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people. They also provide a great deal of hope!

This brings me directly to the next point:

4. Look for the positive

We always reflect, both internally and externally, what we surround ourselves with every day. When we binge on the news from morning to night, it's no wonder we feel like there's only bad in the world... So, consciously look for the positive! This doesn't mean we should simply ignore the negative things happening around us. But we can all determine, for our own protection, how much of it we let in and where we focus our attention.

Follow social media accounts that have a positive outlook and that make you feel hopeful. Surround yourself with people who give you strength instead of draining it. This not only puts you in a positive mood but also motivates you.

5. Get active

There's probably nothing better to combat the fears and worries of eco-anxiety than taking action yourself. If you actively support the environment, you're not just showing yourself that change can happen. No one expects you to stop producing any more waste tomorrow, adopt a completely vegan diet, or go to the sea to fish for plastic.

Even small changes can make a difference! Think about ways that feel good and doable for you and put them into action. It's perfectly fine to start small. On our sustainability blog you will find numerous tips and lots of inspiration for concrete things you can change.

Eco anxiety can also arise from the pressure we feel to be perfect and not want to allow ourselves to make any mistakes, because then the world could end and everything would be our fault. Such thoughts are, of course, nonsense from a rational perspective. But once we get caught in a spiral of anxiety, such thoughts aren't so unlikely.

None of us are perfect. Do what you can. Even if that just means getting a reusable coffee cup. You can always go one step further from there. But you don't have to become "perfect" overnight. Anything is better than nothing. .

If you would like to learn more about the environment and sustainability, mindfulness or healthy nutrition, take a look here over.