The number one way we’re getting our information that fuels our activism, no matter what we’re fighting for, is through technology. Today, if you have an a passion to help others, you want to reach them efficiently and you want them to get to your information in a quick way. Activists have Facebook groups, Twitter accounts, Instagrams, and all the other social media platforms.
While technology can be widely beneficial for spreading our messages and our passions, we are constantly relying on it. And guess who else is? Those who disagree with our point of view. That’s right… that one person from who-knows-where who has to have an Opinion about Everything… or that family member who you didn’t even know was against what you’re striving for! It doesn’t matter whether it’s someone close to us or strangers from distant lands hiding behind computer screens, the stress induced by trying to reach people for our cause coupled with the constant stream of negative ideas and opinions can begin to wear us down and burn us out.
Here are some steps I’ve found helpful throughout my journey as an activist in terms of tackling this technology induced stress:
Step 1. Pick a time, do it right after you read this even (if you’re able), and completely silence your phone (if you feel comfortable shutting it off, even better). Leaving it off for class or work doesn’t count. Do this at home when you have free time and might be checking your phone often. Once it’s silenced, put it somewhere far away from you. Find a relaxed spot in your room, or your home. Now, here’s the tough part: do nothing. Do nothing for 15 minutes. It’s harder than it sounds!
If you want to find a comfortable sitting position, laying position, or yoga pose, do so. Concentrate on your breath and your body. Try to stay in the present, but if other thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them and then gently let them pass.
Most people don’t know how to take even 15 minutes for themselves! Do this exercise as often as you need, but particularly when you are feeling overwhelmed by the presence of technology and social media. Don’t criticize yourself if you find this exercise difficult and can’t last 15 minutes at first… practice makes perfect.
A modification of this practice: if doing nothing really isn’t your thing, find something that gets you into a positive and grounding headspace (such as dancing or singing or writing), and do that, but do it intentionally and meditatively, acknowledging that it is fully for yourself and no one else.
Step 2. Limit your time on the computer. (I just heard everyone reading this be like, “you want me to do what now?”). No, really. Set a set amount of time you will allow yourself on the computer each day (for non-school or non-work related activities). Let’s say it’s “two hours of free time on the computer”. That’s a good start!
However, note that if you’re doing work and then start browsing Facebook, that time gets deducted from you. So keep good track of your time and spend it wisely.
Be sure to have a firm time each night that you say, “screens out!” For example, I try not to be on the computer or phone after 10pm each night. That gives my body some time to relax from the light of the screens and the stimulus of all of the information so I can drift into sleep more easily.
Step 3. Don’t respond to that post right away! What post, you’re wondering? You know… that post. That post you see that starts to boil your activist blood. I know it’s tempting to respond to a critical issue. However, taking the time to carefully phrase your argument will be both more beneficial for your mental health, and has a better chance of affecting others’ points of view.
Additionally, don’t feel compelled to respond to every post you see (also tempting I know!). Sometimes, it’s important for us to allocate our energy so that we’re more efficient. Maybe instead of responding to that annoying post, you could do some yoga, meditate, write an article about something that interests you, hang out with friends, or even do something directly for your cause (if you’re up to it!).
I’ve seen a trend of activist friends “de-friending” people who disagree with their cause or stance. If this is your form of self-care, then great! However, it doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be our only form of self-care. I personally find that “de-friending” causes those who don’t understand important issues to remain in their little world of ignorance with others who also don’t understand and it further perpetuates those ideas we dislike.
First, take a breath, take a step away, and take care of yourself (whatever that means to you). But don’t let technology weigh you down. We’re warriors for justice and peace, but we shouldn’t be warriors against our well-being.
Written by: Hope Schmid, Certified Yoga Instructor, Founder of Warrior’s Pose
Warrior's Pose 