by Christine Homan, LPCC
CERI Co-Founder & Marketing Director

In the high-stress environment of frontline climate change work, the ability to regulate one's nervous system is crucial. This regulation not only affects personal well-being but also enhances interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and the communities being served. 

A dysregulated nervous system happens when our bodies are pushed into adaptive stress responses, an engrained response to dangers. We call this the fight-or-flight response (Harvard Health), which is extremely useful in helping us respond to brief, immediate threats. The primal classic example being: if you were in the woods and had to protect yourself from a predator you want your body to be ready to fight, flee or play dead. 

What happens with larger, existential threats like the climate crisis however, is that this elevated stress/dysregulated state remains unresolved and can slowly start to erode our physical, emotional, and mental health. When we can’t “solve” the problem quickly and concretely, we have to find ways to signal to our body to relax and come out of our heightened states ourselves. Both for ourselves, our communities, and our work.

Leslie Davenport (Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change, Chapter 1) explains if we don’t figure out how to stay regulated, we may show up within our communities and organizations in the following ways:

• Fight response: knee-jerk reactions, “come out swinging” response, excessive activity, reckless language, argumentativeness, impulsive/obsessive/addictive behaviors.

• Example: Spending hours blasting social media blog posts or blogging – thinking louder and more frequent information will force things to shift even though research shows that how things ideas are expressed is much more important.

• Example: Frustration/Anger about the climate crisis leads you to insulting/talking down to/not being fully present/being angry with your colleagues who are your teammates in this work

• Flight response: wanting to escape the pain/create distance from this work, keeping us from staying fully engaged with the work and with our teammates

• Positive Illusions - tendency for self-deception or illusion of control, unrealistic optimism in the face of crisis which can impair our decision making/block our much needed focus

• Greenwashing: distanced enough from the work to think that “token efforts” are good enough

• Freeze response: freezing up or dissociation in order to avoid feeling a sense of dread can keep us stuck or in procrastination mode, keeping us from taking any action

• Ambivalence - getting stuck in between the cognitive dilemma of wanting to help the planet and also desiring our familiar creature comforts can lead to a procrastination in our efforts when we can’t find the ‘right answers’ instead of being able to stay engaged with the fact that there is always a weighing of options and working within all the questions and answers.

It’s a lot to think about, how taking care of your own nervous system is actually a necessary part of this work. Here's CERI’s list of why maintaining nervous system balance is vital:

1. Enhancing Emotional Resilience

Frontline workers in climate change frequently face stressful and emotionally charged situations. From witnessing the direct impacts of natural disasters to engaging with communities in crisis to fighting the uphill battle of working in policy or legal systems, the emotional toll can be significant. Effective nervous system regulation helps maintain emotional resilience, enabling workers to remain calm and composed under pressure. This resilience is key to making clear-headed decisions and providing effective support to those affected by climate change.

2. Improving Communication

Clear and empathetic communication is essential in climate change work. When the nervous system is dysregulated, stress and anxiety can impede our ability to listen, process information, and respond appropriately. Regulating the nervous system helps in maintaining a calm and focused state, which is crucial for active listening and thoughtful responses. This is particularly important when dealing with distressed individuals or communities, where sensitivity and clarity are paramount.

3. Boosting Problem-Solving Abilities

The complex and unpredictable nature of climate change challenges requires sharp problem-solving skills. A regulated nervous system enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive functioning. This cognitive clarity allows frontline workers to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to the multifaceted problems they encounter.

4. Fostering Team Collaboration

Teamwork is a cornerstone of effective climate action. When team members are able to regulate their nervous systems, they can collaborate more effectively, manage conflicts constructively, and support each other through challenging times. A well-regulated nervous system promotes a positive work environment, which is essential for maintaining team morale and productivity.

5. Preventing Burnout

Burnout is a significant risk for those working on the frontlines of climate change due to the high levels of stress and the emotional demands of the job. Regularly practicing nervous system regulation techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and physical activity, can reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. Sustained well-being is essential for long-term engagement and effectiveness in climate change work.

To learn more about how burnout is effecting the Climate and Environmental Workforce here.

Techniques for Nervous System Regulation

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices such as mindfulness meditation can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and increase emotional resilience​ (Nature)​.

2. Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity is known to reduce stress hormones and trigger the release of endorphins, improving mood and overall well-being​ (Harvard School of Public Health)​.

3. Breathing Exercises: Simple techniques like deep diaphragmatic breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of relaxation and calmness​ (ScienceDaily)​.

4. Connecting with Nature: Spending time in natural environments has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. This is especially relevant for those working on environmental issues, as it reinforces their connection to the cause​ (APA)​.

5. Connecting with Like-Minded People: Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals provides emotional support and a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others who understand the unique stresses of climate change work can alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a network of support. Social connections have been shown to buffer against stress and improve overall mental health (APA) .

Conclusion

Nervous system regulation is not just a personal health strategy but a professional necessity for those on the frontlines of climate change. By maintaining emotional resilience, improving communication, enhancing cognitive abilities, fostering teamwork, and preventing burnout, frontline workers can better navigate the complex challenges of their work and make a more profound impact. Prioritizing nervous system health is a vital step towards sustainable and effective climate action.

How are you doing with your nervous system regulation? Do you have your routines and habits that let your nervous system go from “danger” to “we’ve got this”? Does your team do a good job of staying connected and regulated so you can do your crucial climate work?

Learn more about how CERI helps support Individuals (Thicket) & Organizations (4-week Workshop) in creating a resourced and regulated self.