How to navigate climate change distress

How do you help your team navigate their professional responsibilities while processing deeply concerning (read: abjectly terrifying) political developments? I wish I didn’t have so much experience at this, and I wish I’d had more tools and resources five years ago, because I really failed at this a lot. Now, we have some practices at Seed&Spark and Film Forward that make space for the rollercoaster of emotions and the stark new political realities that in many cases almost immediately impact our team members in some way. 1. First, acknowledge reality. We don't leave our humanity at the door when we come to work. When people are worried about their safety or the safety of their loved ones, pretending everything is "business as usual" only increases anxiety and erodes trust. 2. As a remote team, we acknowledge that we also may be feeling things very differently based on where we are. We may have to make space for certain team members who are, for example, living in the middle of a climate disaster one week and others who live near an active shooting the next week. This is the world we live in. So we do a “red yellow green” check in at the top of each meeting - everyone can state how they are showing up. And we can adapt how we are resourcing certain priorities (or just how much moral and professional support we are providing our colleagues) using that information. It builds trust and support in a team that rarely sees each other in person. 3. Make space (as in: PAID TIME OFF) for mental health needs and civic action. I put these in the same bucket because often civic action is a mental health support action as well: it keeps people connected to community and purpose. Is there really a meeting that is more important than people going out to fight for a better future? 4. Don’t shut down conversations about how hard this is. It’s perfectly reasonable to feel like showing up to work in most jobs is playing violins on the titanic. If people can’t feel validated for their fears they will not be able to locate their purpose in your workplace. 5. Don’t bury your head in the sand about business realities or infantilize your team. This is the time to triple-down on transparency and give everyone the context they need to make grown up decisions. The only way out is through, together. #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #InclusiveWorkplace #CorporateResponsibility

There is a lot going on in the world, and the government changeover and LA wildfires have been weighing on me recently (along with all the implications of those events). Here are some strategies I’m using to take care of my own mental health: 🔹 Find a way to give back locally: I completed my first shift at a local food bank yesterday and am looking for other ways to feel empowered in my local community. 🔹 Proactively change your scenery: I’m visiting friends in a nearby town next week to shake up my status quo. 🔹 Focus on credible news sources that present a diversity of measured viewpoints: I am avoiding getting news from social media or other sources with hyper-polarized content and instead reading news articles and listening to podcasts that bring on guests with a variety of viewpoints. Long form + nuance > bite size videos. 🔹 Stay informed but also take media breaks: I’m trying to stay informed so I can be an advocate for myself and the causes I believe in while also giving myself permission to not read every news story out there. 🔹 Make a plan for how to use your energy: I want to put my limited time and energy toward actions like calling senators/representatives to support issues I care about, volunteering, and checking in with loved ones. Pick your handful of priorities and reassess as needed. 🔹 Leave room for all the emotions: I sat with tough emotions this past week. At the same time, it is important to carve out moments for joy. I’ve been going to an introductory hip hop class over the past few months which has been so fun. I’m committing to going to a class today even if I don’t feel like it. What’s helping you navigate this time and still show up personally and professionally? #mentalhealth

In a world where devastating news floods our feeds hourly, we often forget something critical: our nervous systems weren't built for this constant exposure to tragedy without time to process and heal. Our ancestors dealt with challenges at a community level, with built-in periods of collective grieving and support. Today, we're expected to read about heart-wrenching events and immediately jump back into our work meetings, emails, and deadlines. This disconnect isn't sustainable. Here's what is helping me navigate this: 1. Create transition spaces: Take 5 minutes between consuming difficult news and returning to work. Breathe deeply, step outside, or simply sit quietly. 2. Notice your body's signals: If you feel tension, tears, or anxiety arising - these are normal, healthy responses and what our bodies are designed to do. Don't push them away. 3. Build microcommunities of support: Find 2-3 trusted colleagues who understand. Create regular check-in times to process together. 4. Set boundaries around news consumption: Choose specific times to stay informed, rather than constant exposure. 5. Practice "both/and" thinking: You can both care deeply about world events AND take care of your immediate responsibilities. Remember: Being affected by tragedy doesn't make you weak - it makes you human. And in acknowledging this shared humanity, we find strength together. What practices help you navigate difficult news while staying present for your work and loved ones? #MentalHealth #WorkplaceCulture #CommunitySupport #Wellbeing #ProfessionalDevelopment