Oof, even if you’ve been expecting it, the news last week was still a gutpunch.

What’s been helping me is: information, reading legal takes and insight from organizers, and making a recurring donation to the New Orleans Abortion Fund.

I’ve been in planning mode, looking ahead: writing classes, applying for residencies, and making business plans. My concussion symptoms are healing but it’s hard to establish a good work rhythm when I am derailed by heat-induced headaches.

How do we not burnout on news, personal struggles, the pains of capitalism?

I’m not a life coach or a therapist but I have learned this past year that adaptability and boundaries are key. That doesn’t mean ignoring what’s going on politically, because it will affect you. Abortion isn’t a “women’s” issue, and white folks are not immune to the effects of police brutality. All these issues are interconnected—power of some over others.

Connecting with your community, finding ways to care for each other outside systems that can be threatened by legislation, and staying informed on issues will help you be more resilient. For me, that means getting involved with groups that feed hungry folks in Portland. Currently that looks like donating money most of the time but I am also ready to start committing more time to it. It can feel hopeless, overwhelming, but I find that finding sustainable ways to participate while also being involved with others helps soften the hopelessness.

It’s boring, and tedious, the long view. But also more sustainable. So, get in the streets when you can, shout and cry and be with others. Demand change. But also chip away at the laws that oppress, the attitudes that uphold inequity and surround yourself with others doing the same work.

For further reading about this, I was influenced and inspired by this by Dr. Ayesha Khan.