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Photo by Liza Summer from Pixels [3]
In the previous article about eco-anxiety, we already know the explanation and how to cope with it. According to some psychologists, eco-anxiety arises in individuals due to "learned helplessness", which is a condition where individuals give up trying because they have the assumption that the situation is out of their control and will only lead to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness [1].
Read more about the eco-anxiety [2]
So, in this article, we will show you some ways that we can do to prevent ourselves from experiencing eco-anxiety!
Learn about the environment in positive context
Reduce news or articles that say that our environment is not okay, because this will make us feel fear and worry all the time. For that, instill hope for a better environment and earth by educating ourselves or learning about positive things that we can do to our mother nature.
Photo by Maggie My Photo Album from Pixels [4]
Plant trees and gardening
There are many benefits that we can get from this activity, such as in reducing pollution levels, making our homes cooler, and even helping to buffer noise pollution. In addition, spending time around trees and even looking at trees has a positive impact on mental health. Improved mood, reduced stress and depression, and lower blood pressure are scientifically documented results of time spent around trees.
Apply eco-friendly practices at home
Eco-friendly living can be done by everyone in an easy way. Recycling, using eco-friendly cleaning/gardening products, donating used items that are no longer in use, avoiding single-use products, turning off lights, saving water, and turning off electronics are all easy and small ways to make a big change to the environment.
Find and spending time at green spaces
Reducing feelings of anxiety doesn't have to involve major actions or activities. Spending free time in green spaces has been shown to reduce stress levels and stress-related illnesses. “Green space” refers to an open space that at least consists of space enclosed by “natural elements”, such as trees, plants, or flowers.
Stop using single-use plastic
According to UNEP, in every minute one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased and about five trillion single-use plastic bags are used every year. Using and bringing personal cutlery from home, using drinking bottles and carrying bags are some ways that we can do to avoid using single-use plastic in our daily activities.
Photo by Maggie My Photo Album from Pixels [5]
Talk about your worries and fears with the closest one or with a group of like-minded people
The closest environment such as family and friends is the right person to be a place to share your feelings of anxiety and fear and the complaints you feel about the environment. In addition, finding a community of individuals or groups who have similar thoughts can also be an option for expressing, sharing feelings, and exchanging thoughts on the perceived eco-anxiety.
Recognizing that it is normal to feel helpless and anxious about future environment are normal
Accepting the situation is important. Because, there are times when we can do something to help reduce or fix the environmental problems, but there are also times when we are stuck and can't do anything. We must accept this feeling of helplessness so that we can think clearly and find other best ways to save our environment.
Here are some ways that we can prevent ourselves from experiencing eco-anxiety. We can do this not only for our own good, but for the environment, the earth, and the next generation!