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    Here's What Therapists Want You To Know About Being Politically Active

    You can do anything, but not everything.

    With everything going on in the United States, chances are you've been working to stay informed, and maybe even help out in some ways — both of which can take a lot of mental energy.

    1. First, your main goal is to find the balance between taking action and taking enough care of yourself that you're actually able to work effectively.

    2. On that note, recognize that self-care doesn't have to be indulgent and superfluous. Think of it as securing your own oxygen mask before you assist others.

    3. If you get overwhelmed thinking about what to prioritize, consider where you can actually be most helpful.

    4. Make specific to-do lists so you can concentrate your energy in productive bursts rather than always worrying about what needs to get done.

    5. Set boundaries about how and when you keep up with the news.

    6. On the flip side, avoid news, media, and people who are genuinely hurtful to your well-being.

    7. Remind yourself that it's OK if your strong emotions die down — in fact, you need to let them.

    8. Keep your expectations realistic and don't rely on immediate results to feel like your work is worthwhile.

    9. If this is your first time getting involved in politics in a big way, ease in and focus on educating yourself.

    10. Know the signs of burnout — and step back if you're experiencing them.

    11. If you're considering seeing a therapist, put in the effort to find one who gets it.

    12. Learn to see positivity and playfulness as an act of resistance.