How I Transformed My Climate Anxiety Into Action In A Year

While worrying about climate change in the time of coronavirus feels a little like repairing a crack in the foundation of a house on fire, I designed an eight-step plan to transform my climate anxiety into action—and it holds up for other existential threats.

I felt alone in my hopelessness. I didn't know where to find inspiration or a support network. None of my friends, family, or colleagues wanted to talk about climate change, and they certainly weren't treating it like an emergency. After a cluster of panic attacks began to negatively affect my ability to parent two toddlers, perform at work, and maintain personal relationships, I decided to take action. Following this plan has been a win-win for my mental health and the planet:

I wasn't an expert in meditation when I started deep and rhythmic breathing, so don't be intimidated by the various techniques. All you have to do is breathe and watch the way you suddenly open yourself up to a new state of calm. I revisit breathwork often, especially when my anxiety flares up in response to new, challenging situations. 

With a background in journalism and communications, I knew that storytelling was one way for me to inspire others. The climate crisis needs action in every corner of life, so think about what you're already good at, what inspires you, and how you might be able to help.

I can't stress this enough: Striving for perfection will set you (and the planet) up for failure. Don't let guilt or unrealistic expectations prevent you from making meaningful changes in your life. Setting achievable goals will reduce your anxiety and your carbon footprint. The first few actions I took were creating a paperless kitchen, swapping paper towels for reusable cloth, investing in a reusable travel mug, and switching from dairy to oat milk. 

In the last few years, I've often said we must be present to save our future. Even small, daily mindfulness practices can help reduce anxiety and power your action, helping you to consciously make those small lifestyle changes. Breathwork was my gateway to a mindfulness practice, and there are different spiritual teachers for every experience level or style preference.

A few months into my journey of climate activism, I realized I didn't have to start from scratch. Organizations like the Sunrise Movement, 350.org, and Sierra Club will give you the blueprints so you can jump right into the fight. I signed up for their newsletters and found that organizers often host video chats and trainings to help you take your first steps.

I delivered my speech in a boardroom packed with Sen. Chris Murphy's staffers and 20 activists who followed my lead and shared their own concerns about the future. ⁣Fast-forward three days, and Sen. Murphy (D-Conn.) publicly endorsed the resolution unveiled by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). He even gave us a shoutout online. ⁣

From beach cleanups to graphic design support, free labor goes a long way for many environmental organizations that rely on the generosity of donors and volunteers. It's a great way to spend your time as a break from your usual Netflix binge. And you'd be surprised by how much can be done remotely!

When you start to take small, actionable steps to become a part of the solution, something happens. As you begin to shift your daily routines just a little—and when you step outside of your comfort zone—you'll begin to experience a radical mindset shift that will reduce your anxiety, increase your happiness, and positively influence the people and things around you.