Project Calm – July 2019

your hope, I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic.”
Imagine the planet like a human body. If there was something
wrong with your heart, you might experience palpitations,
sharp pains or dizziness, all of which feel unpleasant. But would
you rather not have them, and not know there was a problem?
Eco-anxiety is our way of acknowledging that we are damaging
the planet, and while it isn’t a pleasant experience, it can also be
seen as a positive thing that so many of us care deeply and want
to take action. So how can we take our discomfort and anxiety,
and channel it into real, transformative action for the planet?
One answer is to treat eco-anxiety like regular anxiety, using
techniques that help stem the f low of unwanted negativity
and allow our thoughts to form more clearly. Exercise is often
recommended as a remedy for unhappy thoughts, and a walk
in the countryside can help eco-anxiety sufferers see that so
much of nature is still alive and well. While it’s vital to stay
realistic and recognise that wildlife is suffering, the simple act
of listening to birdsong or watching a wild f lower blossom can
remind us that nature is still here – and it is resilient. If plans are
made and actions are taken, nature will respond and f lourish
once again. To help boost motivation, take a look at the success
stories of species like the red kite, buzzard and the large blue
butterf ly, the last of which was brought back from extinction in
the UK using a handful of specimens from Sweden.
One of the reasons eco-anxiety can feel so overwhelming is
because, as individuals, we feel our power is limited. Counteract
this isolation by joining up with likeminded people, whether
it’s your local wildlife group, climate protest group or through
volunteering at your local nature reserve. Nothing feels more

Keeping an eco journal is a rewarding,

creative way to document and reflect on

your thoughts. For eco-anxiety sufferers,

it can be the perfect place to share

your worries privately, and it may even

inspire new ideas to help you live a more

sustainable lifestyle. Don’t be put off by

perfect photos of journaling on Instagram

• it can be as neat, messy, colourful or
  minimal as you like. You could start off
  by counteracting the negative messages
  out there, and write down the positive
  changes you’ve made, such as minimising
  plastic usage, recycling your packaging,
  or cycling to the shops. Remind yourself
  that each small step will lessen your
  impact on the environment. Jot down
  favourite vegetarian recipes, create
  climate-inspired poems, or simply
  express your most angry or
  anxious opinions within
  the safe confines of
  a few pages.

HOW TO START

AN ECO JOURNAL

The simple act of listening

to birdsong or watching a

wild flower blossom can remind

us that nature is still here

• and it is resilient.

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