Self-Care for Activists: 10 Activities to Help You Recharge
As writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde wrote, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Self-care and activism have been intertwined throughout history, with self-care serving as both a personal and political act. Burnout continues to be a problem for workers and activists in social justice and human rights, and with the recent and long-overdue global attention in these areas, it is more important than ever for activists to balance their action with rest.
Self-care looks different for each person, and it involves more than just warm baths and tea (though those can certainly help). It involves honoring your needs, reaching out to your support system, and letting go of activities that drain your energy. In order to create a lasting impact, it is essential to rest, recharge, and care for your physical and mental health so you can stay engaged over the long haul. Find balance by letting go of the activities that drain you in your off-time, and fill that space instead with activities to help replenish your energy. We rounded up some ideas for self-care activities from creators around Instagram.
Start a garden
with @blackgirlswithgardens
Gardening as a form of meditation and self-care can be an incredibly healing tool. Whether you’re a gardening pro or you’re a plant-parent-in-training, you’ll be fully inspired by the feed of entrepreneur and plant mom Jasmine Jefferson. Learn how to propagate a monstera plant in the video below, or check out her article on how to start a garden (indoors or outdoors).
Take this journaling workshop
with @hellolaurenash
What is life asking of you right now? This guided meditation and online journaling workshop from Black Girl in Om founder Lauren Ash will help you explore the power of manifestation in your life. Grab your notebook and prepare for an insightful and reflective session.
Daydream and rest
with @thenapministry
Founded by Tricia Hersey-Patrick, The Nap Ministry facilitates workshops and curates performance art that examines rest as a tool for community healing. This post says it best: “There is deep power in taking a break, honoring your body, and actively participating in your deprogramming from grind culture.” Allow yourself the space to drift and rest with their Spotify playlist for daydreaming.
Bake something delicious
with @rachelama_
Culinary therapy is real. And if you’ve ever worked with kneading dough, you know how effective it can be at releasing stress! London-based YouTuber Rachel Ama creates and shares delicious vegan recipes that everyone will love. Try your hand at her vegan spiced apple loaf cake next time you’re craving a therapeutic baking session and a sweet treat.
Read and write
with @alex_elle
Best-selling author and hey, girl. podcast host Alexandra Elle delivers thought-provoking inspiration and self-care reminders through her Instagram posts, essays, poems, and books. She also offers free self-care writing practices on her website. We recommend unplugging for a day and cozying up with one of her books or journals.
Meditate to a sound bath
with @phyllicia.bonanno
The practice of meditation can be challenging, especially when there’s so much going on around you — but those are the times when you will benefit the most. For days when sitting in silence seems impossible, tune out with a healing sound bath from yoga teacher Phyllicia Bonanno. The soothing sounds of crystal bowls offer your mind a relaxing way to disconnect and unwind. Try this free 10-minute sound bath on her Instagram, and check out her Chakra Sound Bath series on Alo Moves.
Get lost in the music
with @calleysunshine
If you haven’t heard Madison Calley’s music, your ears are in for a treat. This LA-based classically trained harpist and YouTuber uploads beautiful harp cover songs that will give you that cloud-parting, sun-shining feeling. Take a moment to close your eyes and let the music flow through you.
Watch this motivational talk about self-love
from @jacycunningham
Give yourself a dose of energy and self-love with this motivating talk from fitness instructor Jacy Cunningham. Here’s just a sample of his inspiring conversation: “You have love within you. You are the revolution. The protest starts every morning with the conversation you have with yourself.” You can also work out with Jacy with one of his uplifting classes on Alo Moves.
Join a mindfulness book club
with @larugayoga
In need of an inspiring read? Join Ashtanga yoga instructor Laruga Glaser and SanatanaYoga for their monthly virtual book club, Under the Net. Under the Net features storytelling, author interviews, and debates on relevant subjects. This book club also goes beyond yoga-related literature, delving into fiction and non-fiction across genres. Their goal is to encourage a love for reading while inspiring people to think and have fun in the process. Learn more about the book club here and follow Laruga for updates. If you want to practice yoga with Laruga, check out her Ashtanga series on Alo Moves.
Try an easy DIY project
with @heyashleyrenne
Good news for DIY lovers: getting lost in a good craft project can actually relieve stress and be beneficial for your mental health. If you’re looking for a good afternoon craft session, try this green DIY project from Atlanta-based Ashley Renne, who blogs about vegan food and sustainability. This DIY repurposes a plastic bottle into a watering can. Come for the cool DIY, stay for the sustainability tips and delicious vegan recipes.