You're young, fired up, and ready to make your mark. But in the whirlwind of courses and campaigns, the sneaky shadow of burnout can quickly creep in.
Here are four underrated and actionable self-care strategies to keep you grounded while you work to make the world a better place - without losing yourself in the process.
Discover the Power of Micro-Mindfulness
Micro-mindfulness is a lesser-known cousin of meditation that you may have never heard of before. It's a simple way to center yourself when things seem hectic in your world. It’s also a more flexible, accessible, and less intimidating entry point into a mindfulness practice - especially if you’re new to mindfulness or are limited by time constraints.
How to Do It
- Set aside a few brief moments, like a minute between classes or five minutes before a meeting, for deep breathing or a quick meditation session.
- Download a mindfulness app that offers short, guided sessions to help you relax and refocus while on the go.
- Start a gratitude journal where you jot down things you're grateful for daily.
The benefits: Practicing micro-mindfulness is a more immediate way to enhance your mental clarity and reduce stress. Over time, you might notice that it’s easier for you to make sound decisions and maintain focus in high-pressure situations.
Find Your Tribe
As the age-old African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” When doing social impact work, you must build a support network of like-minded individuals to help you go further.
How to Do It
- Join organizations or online groups centered around causes you care about.
- Attend local or virtual meetups, workshops, and discussions related to the interests you’re most passionate about.
- Stay connected with your tribe through regular check-ins, and celebrate each other’s milestones, however small.
The benefits: Finding your tribe helps you foster a sense of belonging and provides a support system that can help you navigate challenges and celebrate victories.
Reclaim Leisure
In a world that emphasizes hustle as a way of life, you might be surprised to see this one on the list. Sometimes, you might even find yourself putting your hobbies or even rest on the back burner while you’re focused on making the world a better place. Still, prioritizing leisure is necessary, because rest is part of your work, too. So, whether it's reading, painting, or simply lounging in a hammock—these breaks are paramount for your long-term health and sustainability.
How to Do It
- Schedule leisure time in your week for hobbies or anything that helps you unwind.
- Explore new hobbies that can also serve as stress relievers, like yoga, dancing, or playing an instrument.
The benefits: Prioritizing leisure time helps you recharge your energy, boost creativity, and provide a fresh perspective when returning to your mission.
Consider a Digital Detox
The digital world is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allows us to connect and be more accessible than ever. At the same time, being “always on” can be distracting and lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
How to Do It
- Set social media and email checking boundaries. You can do this by creating designated hours or by using apps that limit screen time.
- Unplug completely for a set time each week, even if it's just for a few hours, to recharge.
Benefits: Just like our electronic devices, there are times when we’ll need to “power down” to keep working. Doing a digital detox can help you increase your productivity while fostering a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you without distractions.
While you’re focusing on solving some of society’s toughest problems, remember that changing the world isn't a sprint—it's more like a marathon with hurdles, pit stops, and scenic views.
Let our Connect Stories be a source of wisdom and motivation for you as you work toward making your mark. With each story, you’ll learn about the roads these impact-driven experts traveled to reach the pinnacle of success, while overcoming obstacles, recovering from self-doubt, and learning from mistakes.
Explore Connect Stories to see how these driven individuals have made a difference and get the inspiration you need on your journey to creating a lasting impact.
