While doomscrolling TikTok, Bluesky, Substack and beyond feels comfortable right now, there comes a time when that is simply an act of diminishing returns. Staying informed is important, but so is taking care of yourself, feeling the sun on your face, getting coffee with a friend, and taking action in any way that feels right to you.

Honestly, knowing where to start is the hardest part.

Here are some ideas for action you can take today:

• have some coffee at a local cafe (or, make your own coffee if you normally buy it!)

• keep reading, and keep educating yourself and others - host a book swap, bring old books to little free libraries, volunteer to host a local workshop, etc.

• buy from small businesses or secondhand shops as much as possible. This doesn’t have to be perfect, but any small change in spending habits matters.

• if you have the means, buy up educational books and other reading materials and leave them around for you community to access (again, little free libraries)

• shop at a farmers market

  

  

• take a shower

• donate your old clothes, books, kitchen supplies to local charities (not just goodwill)

• donate/volunteer your time to a cause you believe in or local soup kitchen

• buy stamps

• start a garden (better yet, a community garden)

• take back your attention (limit screen time)

• get a library card

• start a journal

• remember that fashion is political, don’t let personal style die!

• go on a walk with a friend

• talk to and connect with your neighbors

• foster community, even if it means just showing up

• create create create - art is so important!!

• go to an art gallery

  

  

• limit consumption and waste, including food waste! Look up your town’s recycling programs, try composting, or safely preserve or freeze excess vegetables (no more wilted bags of spinach in 2025!)

• your money is your power, research and spend accordingly

• be a safe space for and listen to others

• buy physical media when possible

• spread joy - it’s cliche but love does conquer all a lot