The election of Donald Trump was a wake-up call for many, and as a result, a new wave of people who were not previously involved in activism are now joining the resistance.
The next four years aren’t going to be easy, as we can already gather from Trump’s first four months of presidency. So, in the midst of all the chaos and the fight for the greater good, we mustn’t forget to take care of ourselves in the process.
Our country needs us now more than ever, but if we burnout, what good are we to the cause? As poet and activist Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Self-care is doing any action that will benefit one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. It can be as simple as taking a nap or going on a walk or something a little more challenging like picking up a new hobby or taking a step back from commitments.
But even as small an act as remembering to eat, taking time for one’s self is a hard task for many. They’re asking themselves, “How can I take a break when there are so many things to get done?” Some might even feel shameful for even thinking about taking time off.
It’s exhausting and time-consuming work, but there is nothing to be ashamed of if you think you need a break. Everybody needs time to rejuvenate and recuperate. Besides, an army of people are behind you ready to pick up where you left off.
This administration is hoping to exhaust and have us burnout to the extent where we become useless as a resistance. We can’t let that happen. We must hold each other accountable. Self-care is not only self-love, it is also a form of resistance. By refusing to burnout, we are standing up against the oppressors.
If you feel like the events of our nation or the world are taking over and consuming you whole: stop. Turn off your phone, your laptop and the TV. Have dinner with friends, take a vacation or dance it out — whatever you do, do it for yourself.
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Here at The kNOw, we practice self-care all the time and in many different ways. Below are a few examples of how we take care of ourselves while doing this important work, but we want to know what you do too! Share your own picture of you practicing self-care with the hashtag #SelfCareRevolution – and don’t forget to tag us @theknowfresno so we can celebrate your special form of resistance!
DID YOU KNOW? He prefers sandwiches over burritos.
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For more from Johnsen, visit his blog johnsendelrosario.com
