Welcome to a new process I’m trying in order to stay sane, deal with the spiral of doom that comes from the news and social media. Four steps, you can do along with me to help you to stay cared for and engaged. We need processes to make sure staying in the fight and sustaining ourselves too.
“Farage eyes number 10 after victories in council polls”, the Times headline read.
The Daily Mail ran with “The Reform revolution”.
“Labour and Tories rocked by huge swing to Reform” the Independent said.
Last week’s local elections saw Reform – – win the Runcorn and Helsby by election by six votes, one mayoralty and many local councils, marking a huge political shift in our country. Reform have managed to overturn Labour majorities across the country which is wild since this party only won its first MPs a YEAR AGO. They now have 5 seats in parliament.
Winning big across councils like Durham, Staffordshire, Kent (and more) is a huge advantage when it comes to winning across constituencies at the next general election, because now they have local council members being paid to fight for more power, more seats in parliament with influence and a huge platform and profile in order to build on their populist (racist!) movement.
The left though, should still be steeling itself for a fight because right now we have a Labour government that are more akin to a Conservative government with their war on Trans people, Disabled people (all of this affects everyone badly) and the opposition is now a right-win fascist party.
Where is the populist, passionate left-wing party with media punch and smart policies that are going to give Labour a fucking fright? Greens, yes. But they need a financial injection to get their media pants on.
If you’re feeling worried, scared, frustrated or even worse, apathetic. Join me in these four steps I take when I am feeling the same over the state of political affairs or just, well, y’know *nods at fucking everything*.
Lets’ practice how to respond to doomism.
1. Remove
You need to stay informed yes, but you don’t need to doom-scroll. Ring-fence some time to read or watch (I sometimes set an alarm!), then log off or delete the app for the rest of the day if you’re finding yourself going back to it.
2. Regulate
Regulate is different for everyone, but this could be 30 seconds of breath work, a stretch, lying in the sun for 1 minute, or a cold shower. Water is my trick and I imagine washing alllll the worry away. The cold water (not ice-bath cold i’m not a weirdo) helps me get into my body rather than stay in my head. So, often I take a quick cold shower, get outside, or journal to reset myself after feeling hopelessness or doom in the face of the news. What are you going to plan to do today from this category?
3. Respond
Next, we’re going to take an action, because the right-wing are always organising culturally and politically and we need to be honest about how much action we’re taking. Let’s show up in a few small ways.
- Do you know Hope Not Hate yet? Oh my you should. They do great work. You can join their fight against Reform here. Follow them on Insta here.
- Do you know who represents your constituency? Like, are you across local politics? Because we’re going to need to be especially if we are in councils they won or nearby where they’ll be building up influence for the next election. Who are the candidates and who do you support and how? Get out there, get involved and fight for your community. Block some time in your calendar to research.
- Chip in to support The Good Law Projects landmark case against Farage. We can’t underestimate how legal issues can slow down a party leader and how important punctuating all the Reform media with legal truths is. Do you know any lawyers, or law students? Circulate this project now!!!
4. Re-resource
Finally, we want to place a marker between these feelings of fear, and the next moment or part of our day by doing something that is cleansing or regenerating. I’m thinking about joy here: go and play a game, listen to music you love on a walk, have a nap, cook some food. If you only have 5 minutes, I want to challenge you to find something you can do in that time. What makes you feel the most you? What makes you feel comforted and safe?
Have you tried this process before? Will you try it this time? Do you have your own little process when you feel doomism, apathy, or fear from world events or politics? Share below!
Love and solidarity always.
G x
This is such a timely reminder to look after our well-being but also engaged. I feel much clearer and more focused from this already! The prompts to where we can get involved with our time and/or our financial support are so helpful as a starting point, thank you Gina x