Every morning brings new headlines that make our hearts sink. Attacks on reproductive rights, mass deportations, the erosion of LGBTQ+ protections, voter suppression, and the targeting of marginalized communities—it feels relentless. The fight for civil liberties in Delaware and beyond has never been more urgent, and yet, it’s never been more exhausting.
At ACLU-DE, we know that advocacy is a long game. We cannot afford to burn out. So, how do we stay in the fight while caring for our mental and emotional well-being?
Here are some ways to practice self-care while continuing to show up for our communities:
1. Acknowledge the Weight of It All
You are not overreacting. The attacks on our rights are real, and the anxiety, frustration, and grief you feel are valid. Give yourself space to process these emotions. Journaling, therapy, or simply naming your feelings out loud can be powerful ways to move through them.
2. Step Away Without Checking Out
Constantly refreshing the news or doomscrolling social media won’t make the problems go away—it will only drain you. Set boundaries: dedicate specific times to consume news, and balance it with uplifting stories of resistance and progress.
3. Find Power in Community
You are not alone in this fight. Reach out to fellow activists, attend community events, and share space with people who understand your fears and frustrations. Whether it’s joining a postcard-writing party, attending a Know Your Rights training, or volunteering with ACLU-DE or other local organizations, collective action can be a powerful antidote to despair.
4. Use Movement as a Release
The tension and stress of activism live in our bodies. Find ways to physically release it—take a walk, stretch, dance, or engage in any form of movement that helps you feel grounded and strong.
5. Practice Small, Intentional Acts of Joy
Resistance is not just about fighting back; it’s about preserving what brings us joy. Listen to music, cook your favorite meal, spend time with loved ones, or immerse yourself in art. Joy itself is an act of defiance in oppressive times.
6. Turn Fear into Action
Feeling powerless? Channel it. Call your legislators, educate your community, write letters, or show up for events and community building. Small, consistent actions create real change—and action fuels hope.
7. Rest is Revolutionary
We cannot fight if we are depleted. Prioritize sleep, take breaks, and remind yourself that rest is not a sign of weakness—it is a necessary tool for long-term resistance.
8. Ask for Help When You Need It
If the weight of it all feels too heavy, reach out. Lean on friends, find support groups, or seek professional help. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s what allows you to keep fighting.
How Our Community Stays Resilient
Self-care looks different for everyone, and at ACLU-DE, we know that our strength comes from our collective energy. That’s why we asked our volunteers and staff to share the strategies that help them stay engaged while protecting their well-being.
Here are some of their top recommendations:
Anonymous, Millsboro, DE – “I have re-engaged in a weekly Restore and Renew Yoga practice to quiet my mind and take a break from the political chatter! I also meet up once a month with a group of like-minded women of color for support.”
Mark Kaufman, Wilmington, DE – “Respond directly to urgent needs through demonstrations, letters, or other actions identified by trusted contacts or advocacy groups—but don’t follow the news every single day. There is a tension between staying informed and staying sane. Sanity requires both action and stepping away. Just as importantly, live life as fully as possible amidst the challenges.”
Samantha Maloney-Gracie, Rehoboth Beach, DE – “One of my favorite forms of self-care is shower meditation or taking a long, steamy shower with a shower steamer and music I can sing along to. I love to belt it out in the shower! I try to do this once a week—though I try to be mindful of water waste the rest of the week.”
Melissa Bryson, ACLU-DE Staff – "Taking a day to work at the library because my brain needed a reset—somewhere quiet but not alone, surrounded by people just... existing. There’s something comforting about that. A reminder that even when the world feels like it’s closing in, community spaces are still here, still holding us. Sometimes self-care looks like stepping outside your own head and into a place where others are doing the same."
Andrew Bernstein, ACLU-DE Staff – "I’ve been leaning into the things that keep me grounded—spending time with friends and family, escaping into a good fantasy novel, and tackling the projects I put off during election season. There’s something reassuring about getting through a task or a long book when everything else feels out of control. It’s a small way to reclaim a sense of stability, to remind us that even in chaotic times, we can still create order, routine, comfort, and moments of joy...
The Eagles winning the super bowl also helps!”
We’re in This Together
Have your own self-care strategy to contribute? Tag us on social media! We’d love to support you in your self-care journey.
Taking care of ourselves isn’t separate from the fight—it’s how we sustain it. Let’s uplift each other, share what helps, and keep pushing forward together.
At ACLU-DE, we see your passion, your dedication, and your resilience. The work we do together—protecting immigrants, defending abortion rights, pushing for justice reform, expanding voting rights, fighting for LGBTQ+ protections—matters. But we can only do this work if we take care of ourselves and each other.
Stay engaged, stay hopeful, and remember: you are not alone.
Need a way to take action today? Volunteer with us, attend an upcoming event, and sign up for advocacy alerts.
