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| But then again, that’s nothing new. From record rainfall to wildfires, climate change is a constant threat to everything we hold dear: our homes and livelihoods, and even our national safety. And too often these days, there are too many simultaneous crises happening to fully comprehend or feel the impact of them all. But the dread hangs heavy all the same.
We know that climate change is as scary as it is real — what we don’t always know is how to deal with those feelings. |
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In our episode on managing climate anxiety, Britt Wray, author of the climate crisis newsletter Gen Dread, says that climate emotions can push us out of our “window of tolerance.”
Wray says this is the place where "life feels like smooth sailing. We can be our best selves. We can judge the future and make decisions in the present." But the uncertainty of the climate crisis throws us out that window, and we continue to find ourselves unmoored.
How do we find our footing? Here are a few tips from the episode: - Feel all the feelings: Ecotherapist Phoenix Smith says it’s important to acknowledge the complexity and intensity of feelings brought about by climate change — we’re dealing with a loss of normalcy that can’t be returned, and that’s rough. Acknowledging those feelings is the first step to working through them.
- Calm your central nervous system: There are many Life Kits to help with this one! Wray says do what you can to be in the present and find your zen: mindfulness practices, being in nature, maybe even starting a garden!
- Find connection, big and small: Eco-anxiety can often lead to feelings of paralysis, says Smith, but it can also ignite strong emotions like injustice and rage. They say use those feelings to propel you towards action and communication in your personal life and beyond, be it starting or supporting a mutual aid network, holding big institutions accountable, or just talking through it with folks at home or online. Action cures fear, as they say!
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And if you're feeling ready to keep this train moving, check out our Life Kit playlist to living more sustainably, featuring a Spotify playlist of our best actionable advice for going and staying green at home and beyond.
Living through climate change is rarely easy, but hang in there, friends. We still have sunshine to feel and solid ground at our feet and hope to be found — just ask our healing ozone layer!
— Andee Tagle, Life Kit producer
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Thanks for sticking with us! Look out here for next week's episodes on:
💸 Budgeting | 🌧️ Preparing for flash floods | 😴 Waking up early 🦃 Hosting Thanksgiving?
Our favorite holiday for warm hugs and warm desserts is almost here, and to celebrate, Life Kit is talking with Eric Kim of New York Times Cooking about the ins and outs of prepping, cooking and hosting the big day.
We need your questions! Are you a first-time host unsure about seating arrangements or turkey temperatures? Worried about navigating uncomfortable conversations? Wondering how on earth to prep a meal for 10 in your studio apartment?
We’re here to help! Send your questions to lifekit@npr.org and we might feature you in our upcoming episode! |
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