Have you ever felt torn between pursuing social justice causes while also trying to practice self-care? I certainly have. I’ve since learned self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential for doing purposeful work over the long-term. When we neglect our core needs, we aren’t able to show up fully for the communities we aim to serve. We risk falling into the trap of martyrdom, where our ego gets caught up in notions of self-sacrifice.
Here are a few key reasons why integrating self-care makes our social justice efforts more sustainable and impactful:
The Risks of Disregarding Self-Care
When we go to extremes in any direction – be it becoming a hermit focused only on personal pleasure or a burned out activist not sleeping for days – we inevitably crash. Self-neglect often breeds resentment, numbness, lack of meaning.
I had a client who felt immense guilt setting boundaries with family requests for money. She wanted to help but grew to dread her mother’s calls. By creating a “family budget,” she found a way to generously give while also saving for her own future.
That balancing act prevents the loss of vigor and vitality. As George Kinder wrote, financial privilege can sometimes dampen one’s drive and sense of purpose. We have to tend to our own needs to stay creative and motivated.
Centering Community Care
Well-rested and grounded leaders make more ethical, compassionate decisions. It’s nearly impossible to dismantle oppressive systems when operating from a mindset of panic or fatigue. The clarity and patience required for this work depends on caring for our minds and bodies.
Of course, part of that self-care comes from community. Whether sharing meals with friends, attending spiritual gatherings, or organizing festivals – joy and pleasure strengthen our resilience. Building ties to people aligned in values reminds us we’re not alone in this work.
Staying Nourished to Keep Showing Up
One vital self-care element for activists is curating our information diet. When every notification on our phone brings more injustice into view, outrage exhaustion quickly sets in. Limiting consumption of traumatic news stories prevents fatigue.
Likewise, finding work aligned with our values gifts us energy. Using our skills in service of social justice offers a sense of contribution even on hard days. My current business centers empowering people from all backgrounds to transform their relationship with money and claim financial freedom.
Though the problems seem monumental, taking time to rest and refuel allows us to steadily plant seeds every day. Our small actions ripple out in unseen ways. But we have to keep nourishing our spirits to sustain the effort of showing up.
What does self-care look like for you? How could being more intentional help you avoid burnout in the long run? This is a conversation I’ll continue reflecting on, and I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Check out the full video here: https://youtu.be/QibApmfXlWQ