Self-Care is Part of Resistance

If you’re living through early 2026, I don’t have to tell you that it’s a stressful time. (If you’re reading this later on, I’ll just mention the war with Iraq and other illegal actions by our administration, inflation, and book bans to give you a taste). Many of us are doing our best to make a difference, to influence things in a positive way. Some are using the word resistance to indicate that we are working against the people who are tearing things apart.

But all of this work is wearing, on our bodies and our souls. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and burned out. I’m here to remind you that it’s okay to take a break and take care of yourself, to prevent that from happening or to dig yourself out of feeling overwhelmed. Self-care is part of resistance, too.

As the saying goes, you can’t help others if you don’t take care of yourself first.

Here are a few things I’ve done recently as part of my self-care. Maybe you’ll be reminded of one that works for you, or see one that you want to try for some variety in your routine.

Being in community is helpful to connect with others, and it doesn’t have to be about serious things. I recently had a blast attending a showing of this film about Rainier Beer ads (https://www.rainierbeermovie.com).

Reading is a big comfort for me. I often read books new to me, but I also dip into classic favorites when I need to see old friends in familiar characters and stories. (Jane Austen, anyone?)

Writing is also important to me—writing is sometimes my escape, and other times cathartic. I now keep a gratitude/affirmation journal in addition to my fiction writing.

Watching a good show or movie is another good escape. I recommend comedies—laughter really is good medicine.

Walking (or other forms of exercise) helps a lot. Walking gets me out of the house and lets me observe the beauty in the little things around me. Isn’t this rock cool?

Of course, if you try a bunch of things and they don’t work, or your blues last for longer than a few days, you may need something more. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for help. Talk to your doctor, call 988, whatever you need to reach out to professionals. That counts as self-care, too.

Please, take care of yourself. You are special. We need you in this world.