In social justice work, we often face threats that weigh heavily on us, from online harassment to physical risks, to the emotional strain of working within systems designed to harm us. In such contexts, caring for ourselves and our communities isn’t a luxury. It’s a strategy for resilience and resistance.
At The Engine Room, we believe that wellbeing and digital care go hand in hand. Caring for our bodies, minds, and data allows us to sustain our movements and protect one another.
Care as a political act
Self-care has often been reduced to trends and products, but within activist communities, care has long been a collective, political act, and a way of saying “we deserve to exist and thrive.”
As a writer and activist Audre Lorde reminded us, caring for ourselves is “an act of political warfare”. Taking time to pause, breathe, or reconnect with nature helps us return to our work with clarity and purpose.
As Bridget Andere, Senior Policy Analyst at Access Now, reflects: “Staying connected with my community, family, friends, and people I work with, grounds me during unrest. When things are happening that are less than ideal, it helps to talk to people who share your values and ideals. Collective strength is found in leaning on each other, so we don’t absolutely despair. I believe no one is truly free until we are all free, so at the base of everything, community.”
She adds, “Deep down I truly believe fighting for what we believe in can never be in vain. Painful and arduous it may be, but it will not be in vain. Change can be slow but never impossible.”
Hear from Patricia Musomba, our Associate for Engagement and Support in Sub-Saharan Africa: In this short audio, Patricia reflects on the importance of physical and digital wellbeing, sharing practices that help sustain activists during times of unrest in Kenya.
Practical ways to care for ourselves and our communities
- Stay connected
Isolation can deepen stress and hopelessness. Maintaining community, whether through small gatherings, online check-ins, or shared reflection spaces, which can renew our energy and remind us that our efforts matter. Malusi Mwongeli, Digital Security Specialist, echoes this: “Being in spaces where we commune over the spirit of the season helps me not feel too alone in it. Taking moments to talk through it with other people is really helpful.”
- Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. It can mean journaling, stretching, or taking a few minutes to breathe deeply before a meeting. Simple grounding rituals help prevent burnout and re-center focus. For Laura Tich, Founder of BolTech and SheHacks Kenya, structure and ritual are essential: “I’m a creature of habit, so maintaining some semblance of my daily routine, no matter how wild things get outside, is crucial for me. My mornings are sacred. Waking up, hitting the gym, meditating, and connecting with my spiritual community. It helps me stay grounded, even in turbulent times.”
- Set boundaries
Be aware of your limits and respect others’ capacity too. Say no when you’re stretched thin. Take breaks from social media or emotionally charged content when you need to. Malusi adds: “Taking breaks from consuming news on the situation has also been useful (albeit a bit privileged). Muting, blocking and reporting, especially antagonizing voices online, is part of how I protect my digital and emotional wellbeing.”
- Take care of your physical needs
Eat nourishing food, hydrate, and rest. These are not indulgences, they’re survival tools. Laura reminds us that physical movement and nature are powerful outlets: “Physical activity is a huge release for me. Whether it’s a strenuous workout that burns off excess energy or a quick jog on the treadmill, moving my body is a powerful way to release tension and clear my head. When things get too overwhelming, I step away and reconnect with nature. Being on the farm with family, sharing tea and freshly boiled maize, brings an unparalleled sense of calm.”
- Nurture joy and creativity
Joy is also resistance. Paint, dance, cool, weave, or write – any creative outlet that reconnects you with yourself is a valid form of care. As Bridget shares: “I like a random little hobby. Right now I’m very into building Lego pieces, the more pieces the better. and I’ve picked my crochet hook back up. I found the most delicious pink yarn the other day.”
Laura adds: “ Finding small pockets of joy has become absolutely essential. I got into painting and coloring this year and it’s been relaxing. I rediscovered a coloring book I picked up at Defcon years ago. It’s clearly designed for kids, but I’ve been having an absolute blast with it.”
Digital wellbeing is part of care
Our digital lives can mirror the same stressors we experience offline. Protecting yourself online is also an act of care.
- Strengthen your digital hygiene
Most forms of activism tend to draw digital threats like spyware, online harassment, account hijacking, website defacing among others. Secure your devices, use strong passwords for your accounts, and stay informed about digital threats. Our Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) and Security in a Box are good starting points.
- Take breaks from information overload
It’s okay to stay away from the constant flow of news. Schedule digital rest periods, watch out for misinformation and verify information before resharing.
- Prepare for online harassment
Learn to use blocking, reporting, and privacy tools proactively. The Online Harassment Field Manual offers clear guidance for responding safely.
- Separate your spaces
If possible, keep your activism and personal accounts distinct. This helps create mental and emotional boundaries.
- Practice data minimization
Be careful what you share online. Blur faces in photos, avoid live location tags, and limit identifiable information like tattoos or badges.
Processing hard emotions
Activism is emotionally demanding. As Bridget reminds us: “Therapy is important because it helps you understand and name your feelings. Community is also vital – leaning on others and finding spaces where your expression is welcome. And radical joy. A friend reminded us that joy is not disconnection. It fuels the work.” Laura shares a similar sentiment: “Processing intense emotions from activism, especially in digital security work, is a constant learning curve. I often step away, reconnect with nature, and lean on my support system. Talking to trusted friends or colleagues, people who understand the pressures, is absolutely crucial.”
What we’re learning
Across our partnerships, we continue to see how care practices sustain communities in times of strain. Activists have shared that small, consistent actions, checking in with peers, maintaining routines, or spending time offline, help them stay grounded and hopeful.
We invite you to reflect on what brings you renewal and rest. You can download our Physical and Digital Wellbeing Plan, an interactive worksheet to help you design your own care routines.
Resources for your wellbeing journey
- The psychosocial support guide for spyware attacks, developed by Fundación Acceso in collaboration with The Engine Room.
- The Engine Room’s DANCES, KEYS, AND GARDENS: NURTURING COLLECTIVE DIGITAL CARE – The Engine Room
- Understand the politics and history of care as detailed in The Republic’s article on Feminist Self-Care Beyond Capitalism | The Republic
- Wellbeing and resistance recommendations by Open Briefing: Wellbeing and resilience | The Defender’s Protocol
- Digital Security tips by Open Briefing Digital security | The Defender’s Protocol
- Security in a Box: Practical steps on how to secure your devices, data and communications
- Online Harassment Field Manual by PEN America
Listen to Convite’s sound postcards on self-care tips and collective digital care