Empowering Your Voice: 5 Easy Ways to Combat Overdoing and Advocate for Justice
In a world fraught with injustice, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and powerless. As holistic rebels, our innate empathy drives our desire to alleviate suffering and promote wellness. However, when this empathy morphs into overdoing—whether through excessive work, obsessing over politics and global issues, or neglecting our own well-being—it can lead to burnout and exhaustion. But fear not, fellow rebels, for there are constructive ways to channel our energy effectively and still make a meaningful impact.
There are constructive ways to channel our energy without overgiving.
Recognizing the Pitfalls of Overdoing
Feeling the weight of the injustices we perceive, we often fall into the trap of overextending ourselves. Our empathy, while a noble trait, can become toxic when pushed to extremes.
This overdoing manifests in various forms, from relentlessly tackling tasks to numbing our emotions with work, food, social media, or wine. However, this approach only perpetuates our sense of powerlessness and can ultimately lead to exhaustion.
Empowering Our Voices Through Actions for Advocacy and Self-Care
Harnessing our voice for good requires a delicate balance between advocacy and self-preservation. Here are five actionable steps to combat overdoing and advocate for justice:
1. Donate!
Money talks! Even smaller contributions can create significant change. Align yourself with organizations that share your values and amplify your voice through collective action. Witnessing the impact of your donation can reignite your sense of agency and purpose.
For example, in honor of our 129th Founder’s Day, a fellow alumna from a national collegiate organization recently made a challenge: She would donate $100,000 if 1290 people donated any amount to the organization’s foundation. Over 3 weeks, 1786 women helped raise over $1.5 million for leadership, professional development, and well-being resources for college students. My $10 donation was a part of that!
2. Take a Breath.
When you sense yourself falling into chaos, take a moment to center yourself. Visualize positive outcomes and send intentions of healing and support. This simple practice not only calms the mind but also cultivates a sense of connection to a higher purpose.
For instance, I sometimes imagine multitudes of angels surrounding those who are suffering across the globe. It alleviates some of the hopelessness I feel wanting to help others in need.
3. Express Gratitude.
Acknowledge the efforts of others, whether it's a colleague, child, or stranger. A few words of appreciation can uplift spirits and foster a culture of support and camaraderie. By celebrating each other's achievements, we create a ripple effect of positivity. In a world that perpetuates competition and division, the smiles elicited when sharing joy for someone else can light up the darkest moment.
4. Unplug for Mental Wellness.
Our incessant connection to technology exacerbates feelings of overwhelm and fatigue. The constant barrage of information on social media only adds to our stress.
By consciously disconnecting from our devices, even for short periods, we reclaim our mental space and prioritize self-care. Independent research shows that screen time and frequent use of social media are linked to increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
5. Seek Support.
Cultivate wellness through holistic remedies, emotional support, and spiritual nourishment. Whether it's finding solace in nature, seeking professional physical and mental health support, or engaging in an uplifting spiritual community, prioritize your well-being as you advocate for a better world. The more empowered we feel in our body, soul, and spirit, the stronger our voice.
Fueling our Wellness
As holistic rebels, it's imperative that we recognize the dangers of overdoing and prioritize our well-being. By channeling our empathy into purposeful action and seeking support when needed, we can effect meaningful change without sacrificing our own wellness – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Let us rise together, fueled by compassion and guided by inner and outer resolve, as we use our voices to advocate for justice and healing in a world where they are so desperately needed.
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Take the first step towards mental wellness by completing our Mental Wellness Quiz. Remember, your voice matters, but so does your well-being! Join us in the fight for justice, one mindful action at a time. Click the button below to take the free quiz.
I love you,