One Fifth Of Society Suffer From “Eco Anxiety”
Recent activism to highlight the growing problem of climate change has empowered many people to make more eco-conscious choices in their lives. However, it has also resulted in a great deal of “eco anxiety”, particularly among younger generations.
“Eco anxiety” is a term coined by the American Psychological Association to describe “a chronic fear of environmental doom”. It is not a medical condition in and of itself but in certain individuals, including the popular campaigner Greta Thunburg, it has exacerbated pre-existing mental health problems.
A recent study of 1,000 people has found that 22% of citizens say they suffer from a high level of eco anxiety, worrying about the environment and climate change to such an extent that it is impacting their mental health. Of these respondents, one quarter were between the ages of 25 and 34.
As a result of their eco-anxiety, 33% of these respondents said they have changed their diet to be more environmentally friendly. 30% have also adjusted how they travel, using more public transport and relying on their cars less, whilst 57% have reduced their household energy consumption.
Truverra, the CBD brand who commissioned this research, have provided three actionable tips for people suffering from eco-anxiety.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness allows people to take a moment and focus on our feelings, thoughts and the world around us. Practicing mindfulness can be done through yoga, meditation or other similar methods.
In today’s digital world, many people can also practice mindfulness through the use of an app on their smartphone. With these apps, a mindfulness coach will talk you through a range of techniques, allowing you to focus on your breathing, thoughts and other factors.
Mindfulness is a great way to support your mental wellbeing. It covers a broad spectrum of factors, but it’s a proven method to relax and lower your levels of anxiety.
Don’t Spend Too Much Time on Social Media
We often find ourselves scrolling through Twitter, Instagram or Facebook when we have some free time on your hands. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important not to let social media take over your life.
Social media often displays bold and worrying headlines from the media, as well as alarmist posts. These can make you feel more anxious. It is important to limit the amount of time spent on social media to avoid becoming overwhelmed by this, especially around the time you go to bed.
Create A Home Workout
Given the current situation with COVID-19 it is not possible for many people to go to the gym. But just because you don’t have gym equipment in your home doesn’t mean you can’t keep fit and exercise regularly.
There are many fitness videos available online, including those created by personal trainers. Whether it’s doing pull-ups, lunges or cardio exercises, many studies have linked exercises such as this to positive effects on your mental health. It demonstrates the importance of maintaining an exercise routine, even if you are in isolation.
