For the most part, social justice work is fulfilling and rewarding. Whether you’re on the front lines of a Black Lives Matter protest or you’re advocating for foster children from an urban office, your actions can help change the world for the better. Yet despite the boundless rewards of social justice work, activism can take a major toll on your overall health and emotions.
Research indicates that mental health professionals may even develop symptoms resembling that of their trauma patients. In a 2013 study of mental health providers working with military patients, 19.5% developed what is known as secondary traumatic stress (STS). Also known as compassion fatigue, STS is characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, as well as increased detachment.
In many ways, the symptoms of STS mirror those seen in trauma patients. Continual exposure to stress and trauma can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. What’s more, the effects of trauma, whether via secondary or direct exposure, often lead to depression, a negative outlook on life, and even suicidal ideation.
Staying Mentally and Physically Sharp
For this reason, self care is of vital importance to social justice workers around the world. How can you advocate for social justice if you aren’t physically and mentally fit?
Interestingly, those who overlook self care may also find it more difficult to perform job-related duties. In a 2019 interview with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, community health advocate Yolo Akili Robinson emphasized the crucial role of self care in social justice work. “If I’m not paying attention to my own wellness and biases, that may become a barrier that shows up in interactions with those in my care.”
Thus, like Robinson, you must prioritize your own wellness before you can expect to make a lasting societal impact. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of self care when you’re doing important work in activism.
How Activists Can Prioritize Self Care
Fighting for social justice can be an exhausting endeavor, and lasting results can take years. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, for instance, lasted 381 days, and the U.S. women’s suffrage movement stretched across decades until women finally achieved the right to vote in 1920. To endure a social justice battle of that magnitude, you need to be in tip-top shape, mentally as well as physically.
The good news for social justice advocates is that staying healthy and active, even as you face daily challenges, isn’t as difficult as it may appear on the surface. In fact, many aspects of self care are essentially no-brainers: The acts of eating a healthful diet and exercising regularly are fundamental to the self-care process.
In addition, making time for yourself is fundamental to your overall well being. Activists, social workers, and those in similar fields need to take a time out, on at least a daily basis. Set aside one hour of your day for self care, whatever that looks like for you. Depending on your unique needs and interests, you may spend your daily self-care hour playing video games, walking your dog, preparing a gourmet meal, or quietly meditating. When it comes to taking care of your physical and emotional needs, any healthy habit or activity is fair game.
Where Self Care and Social Justice Intersect
Self care shouldn’t be viewed as separate from social justice causes; rather, the two should co-exist. The healthier you are, in mind, body, and spirit, the stronger you’ll become. And when you feel mentally and physically strong, you’re much better equipped to fight for what you believe in, and the social issues you’re passionate about
For example, if you’re passionate about environmental issues, you can integrate sustainability into your self care routine. If your personal idea of self care involves an indulgent bubble bath, for example, ensure that it’s environmentally friendly as well as relaxing. Certain types of bath bombs and similar products are often made from harmful materials that can clog drains and harm the natural world.
Prior to purchase, check product labels and avoid those made with artificial additives, or consider making your own bath bombs out of sustainable ingredients such as Epsom salt and essential oils. By sticking to your principles in regards to sustainability as well as social issues, you may just see a boost to your overall happiness. In this way, self care and social justice advocacy exist in harmony to help make the world a more inclusive and safer place.
Key Takeaways
It’s easy to overlook your own wellbeing when you’re advocating for the greater good. Yet you can’t effectively fight for change, on behalf of yourself or others, if you’re running on empty. By sustaining optimal physical and mental health, even during these challenging times, you’ll be more equipped to perform social justice work that truly makes an impact.
