Mental preparation and education
These are the mental preparation and education steps taken from the book The Future We Choose, by Tom Rivett-Carnac and Christiana Figueres.
Right Now
- Take a deep breath and decide that collectively we can do this, and that you will play your part. You will be a hopeful visionary for humanity through these dark days. From this moment, despair ends and tactics begin.
Today or Tomorrow
- Think big. How do you most impact climate change, and what big things can you do to effect a regenerative future?
This Week
- Go outside and look around. This world is damaged and hurting, but it is also beautiful and intact and whole. Pay attention to something you have forgotten – emerging leaves in the spring or frost on dead leaves in winter. Feel the gratitude we owe the Earth for her bounty and beauty.
This Month
- Start a mindfulness practice, perhaps a breathing exercise of gratitude. Do it every day, if only for a few minutes. Learn to create a gap of light between yourself, the world and your reactions.
- Understand your privilege in relation to others, and commit to helping level the playing field for all.
By 2030
- Continue to practise the other new habits you have developed.
How to cultivate a natural mindset that embraces uncertainty and change
A natural mindset is one that accepts the reality of climate change and its impacts, but also sees the potential for positive transformation and adaptation. It is a mindset that does not deny or avoid the challenges, but rather faces them with courage and creativity. A natural mindset can be cultivated by spending time in nature, learning from its resilience and diversity, and finding ways to connect with other living beings.
The benefits of connecting with nature and its healing power for our mental health
Nature can provide us with a sense of awe, wonder, and joy that can counteract the negative emotions caused by climate change. Nature can also offer us a source of comfort, support, and healing when we are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. Research has shown that exposure to natural environments can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol levels, and inflammation. Nature can also help us cope with trauma and grief by providing opportunities for reflection, meaning-making, and restoration.
The importance of aligning our actions with our values and principles for a sustainable future
One of the ways to reduce the psychological distress caused by climate change is to act in accordance with our values and principles. By doing so, we can reduce the cognitive dissonance between what we believe and what we do. We can also increase our sense of agency, empowerment, and purpose by contributing to solutions that align with our vision for a sustainable future. Acting on our values and principles can also help us build social connections and solidarity with others who share our goals.
The role of mindfulness and gratitude in fostering resilience and hope
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and openness. Gratitude is the practice of appreciating what we have rather than focusing on what we lack. Both practices can help us cope with climate change by enhancing our emotional regulation, reducing rumination, increasing positive affects, improving well-being, strengthening coping skills, boosting optimism, enhancing self-compassion, promoting pro-environmental behavior, etc.
The challenges and opportunities of living in harmony with nature and other beings
Climate change poses many challenges for human society, such as increased risks of disasters, conflicts, migration, poverty, inequality, and disease. However, it also offers opportunities for reimagining and rebuilding our relationship with nature and other beings. By recognizing our interdependence and mutual responsibility for each other’s well-being, we can create more sustainable, equitable, and compassionate systems that respect the rights and needs of all life forms.
“Climate Anxiety and PTSD Are on the Rise. Therapists Don’t Always Know How to Help.” The Guardian, 20 Apr. 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/20/climate-emergency-anxiety-threapists.
“Climate Change’s Impact on Mental Health Goes Beyond Anxiety.” Verywell Mind, 12 Jan. 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/climate-change-impact-on-mental-health-goes-beyond-anxiety-5211209.
“Climate Change and Mental Health: Expert Tips on How to Cope.” Medical News Today, 21 Feb. 2022, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/climate-change-and-mental-health-expert-tips-on-how-to-cope.
“Why Mental Health Is a Priority for Action on Climate Change.” World Health Organization, 3 June 2022, https://www.who.int/news/item/03-06-2022-why-mental-health-is-a-priority-for-action-on-climate-change.
“Climate Change and Mental Health Research Methods, Gaps, and Priorities: A Systematic Review.” The Lancet Planetary Health, vol. 6, no. 3, Mar. 2022, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00012-2/fulltext.
“How to Heal in the Anthropocene.” BBC Future, 20 Apr. 2021, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210420- mental-health-healing-the-trauma-of-climate-change.