Lower Your Stress Through Civic Engagement: Insights from Vanessa Valiente, Founder of The Efficient Activist
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
By Vanessa Valiente
Founder of The Efficient Activist
The American Psychological Association and Gallup’s recent emotions reporting showed that negative emotions, which includes “a lot of stress”, is at a record high. I am sure you noticed. It seems everyone I know is stressed and overwhelmed. There are a lot of reasons for this, but one big reason is politics.
Managing stress levels in today’s world increasingly depends on understanding our personal limits—especially regarding political engagement and news consumption. With an overwhelming stream of information bombarding us daily, we often face the challenge of staying informed while also maintaining our mental well-being. The key lies in setting boundaries that allow us to lower stress without sacrificing our role in addressing societal issues.
News consumption can take many forms. Many individuals find themselves overwhelmed by excessive coverage, often falling prey to sensationalized or "rage bait" stories designed to provoke strong emotional reactions. Others choose to disengage entirely, avoiding news altogether as a means to cope. Paradoxically, both approaches can lead to increased anxiety.
For those who overconsume news, the constant reminder of societal problems can feel unmanageable and exhausting. Activists may find themselves stretching their efforts too thin, leading to burnout. On the other hand, those who ignore news and political discussions often experience guilt and helplessness, which can culminate in a sense of powerlessness when political matters inevitably affect their lives—be it through policies that directly impact healthcare, social welfare, or community safety.
It’s crucial to recognize that ignoring the pressing issues of our society does not equate to living a stress-free life. In fact, avoidance can create an entirely different set of anxieties, making individuals feel blindsided when political realities confront them. So, what’s the solution?
The key to lowering stress levels is to engage with the news and take action in a focused, manageable timeframe. This is the mission behind The Efficient Activist (TEA).
At The Efficient Activist, we emphasize the importance of democracy, human rights, and a government that serves all citizens equitably. One of the most effective ways to cultivate a sense of agency—and consequently lower stress—is through civic engagement. Each month, we assign our followers one clear and straightforward action that can be completed in an hour or less.
To develop these assignments, our dedicated team meticulously reviews action items put forth by credible activist organizations. We sift through the myriad of calls to action and select the one that promises the most significant positive impact while requiring minimal effort. This tailored approach enhances the quality of engagement for our followers, making activism both accessible and manageable.
By allocating just one hour a month to civic engagement, we provide our followers—who may feel overwhelmed by relentless news cycles—with a more focused and less intimidating way to participate. Those who prefer to avoid the news can still stay connected to pressing societal issues and contribute meaningfully towards solutions without sacrificing their priorities of self-care, family, and professional goals.
Crucially, this consistent engagement in a community that values human rights allows individuals to transfer their anxiety into constructive action. Performing data-backed, impactful activities fosters a deeper sense of connection to the larger world around us, our stress dissipates, and our sense of purpose strengthens.
Understanding our limits and actively engaging in civil society doesn’t just reduce stress; it enriches our lives. The Efficient Activist equips individuals to take on the complex world of civic engagement, reducing the feeling of helplessness while amplifying the collective voice for progress. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to a broader movement towards a healthy society. So, join us; take one actionable step this month and experience the transformative power of civic engagement—not only for society, but for your own emotional well-being.
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