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Working for animal rights is not an easy task, and at times the challenges can seem almost insurmountable. One of the most rewarding things to do when looking at a mountain in the distance we have left to go is to turn around and gauge how far we’ve come.
Many of us have come here when fast food chains or other restaurants had few vegan options. Now pet food can be found almost everywhere. Once upon a time, we were discouraged about the prevalence of fur. We have now abandoned the “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” campaign because animal fur is disappearing from the fashion world.
For days when you need extra support, try heading over to PETA’s Milestones page and read about the many animal victories we’ve achieved together. Or try one of the following ideas that PETA staff shared with attendees at our virtual conference on animal rights in July for how they relieve stress, stay alert, and support an active fight for animal rights:
“A friend of mine once asked:” Does it help dogs in the cold when you lie awake at night, tormented by them? ” No! Does it help you? No!’ So, ”she said,“ banish that thought, replace it with thoughts of happy things, recite a mantra, get enough sleep, and wake up in the morning refreshed enough to go to their aid! “-Ingrid Newkirk
“For me, the most important thing is daily exercise: I ride a stationary bike or run outside six in the morning a week. Gratitude is very important – I am so grateful for how lucky I am to be able to do something for the animals that need us so desperately. It is also very important to laugh every day. It could be just a meme, a joke, a funny podcast, a book, or a TV show, because laughter releases endorphins in the brain that contribute to feelings of well-being. ” –Tracy Reiman
“When I feel depressed, I watch one of PETA’s Bear Rescue Videos. I see these bears finally hibernating, and their cubs are not ripped off, and this makes me happy. I try to never get bogged down in what I can’t do Now but I remind myself of what is actually achieved through patient and painstaking work. And how important it is to play the long game. I remember handing out brochures outside of Ringling Circus when I was 21 and how our collective perseverance destroyed them. ” –Christina Mattis
“I have a garden and I can plant upside-down bulbs based on everything I know about gardening, but I love it – it’s a great relaxation tool!” –Steve Curley
“I keep a gratitude journal and write down five things that I am grateful for every day.” –Pamela Loureiro
“When I wake up in the morning, I diligently stretch while still in bed. Dogs do it. Cats do it. I do it too! “-Karin Bennett
“If you are feeling overwhelmed and not yet working with animals directly, I would try to find a way to interact with them to remind yourself exactly why you are doing what you are doing and for whom. At PETA, we can sign up for an evening dog walk or straw delivery on site, or volunteer in other ways. Local shelters usually need help wherever you are, as with farm animal rescue. It’s kind of immediate gratification, but it can make you feel good when you do something good. ” –Jes Cochran
How to do you cope with burnout? Share your own tips and techniques in the comments and be sure to watch the full class video for more on how to stay optimistic and healthy –because animals need you!
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