From Red Air Days to Shrinking Lakes: Tackling Eco-Anxiety in the Beehive State

Alright, Utah, let's talk about something that's probably on all our minds but can be tough to discuss – climate change and the anxiety that comes with it. From watching the Great Salt Lake shrink to dealing with more "red air days" than we'd like, it's normal to feel worried, frustrated, or even hopeless sometimes. This feeling has a name: eco-anxiety.

What is Eco-Anxiety? Eco-anxiety is the chronic fear of environmental doom. It's that knot in your stomach when you see another story about drought or air pollution. And here in Utah, where we're seeing the effects of climate change firsthand, it can hit particularly hard.

10 Ways to Cope with Eco-Anxiety (Without Losing Your Cool)

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings It's okay to feel anxious or sad about environmental issues.

Try this: Start a journal to express your eco-related feelings. Writing it out can help you process these complex emotions.

1. Focus on What You Can Control You can't single-handedly solve climate change, but you can take positive actions.

Try this: Make eco-friendly choices in your daily life. Use a reusable water bottle, take public transit (UTA is pretty great!), or start composting.

1. Get Involved Locally Taking action can help combat feelings of helplessness.

Try this: Join local environmental groups like HEAL Utah or the Utah Rivers Council. Participate in community clean-up events or tree planting days.

1. Stay Informed, But Set Boundaries Knowledge is power, but constant exposure to negative news can be overwhelming.

Try this: Choose specific times to update yourself on environmental news. Maybe read updates from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality once a week instead of doom-scrolling daily.

1. Connect with Nature Spending time in nature can reduce stress and remind you what you're fighting for.

Try this: Take regular hikes in the Wasatch Mountains or spend time gardening. The Red Butte Garden offers great classes if you're new to plants!

1. Practice Mindfulness Being present can help manage anxiety about the future.

Try this: Do a mindful walk around Sugar House Park. Focus on the here and now – the sound of leaves rustling, the feel of sun on your skin.

1. Find Your Eco-Community Connecting with others who share your concerns can provide support and inspiration.

Try this: Join or start an eco-book club. Discuss books about environmental issues and solutions. The King's English Bookshop often hosts author events on these topics.

1. Celebrate Small Wins Recognizing progress, however small, can boost morale.

Try this: Keep a "victory log" of positive environmental news or actions. Maybe Salt Lake City introduced a new recycling initiative or your workplace started a carpool program.

1. Take Care of Your Overall Mental Health General mental health practices can help manage eco-anxiety too.

Try this: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, exercise routine, and healthy diet. Consider meditation or yoga – there are great studios all over Salt Lake City.

1. Seek Professional Help If Needed If eco-anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life, it's okay to ask for help.

Try this: Talk to a therapist who understands environmental concerns. Many Utah therapists are recognizing eco-anxiety as a real and valid concern.

Remember, caring about the environment doesn't mean you have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. It's about finding a balance between staying informed, taking action, and maintaining your mental health.

[Call to Action: Struggling with eco-anxiety? Let's talk about it. Schedule a session and we'll work on strategies to help you stay environmentally conscious without sacrificing your mental well-being.]