Algal Bloom Wellbeing Resources

Here are some prompts – an activity to help you to reflect on the things that are important to you, and things that you could do to to help maintain your well-being during (and even after) this crisis.

We can first start by reflecting on what’s important to us when we think of the sea – perhaps health of the ocean, or of people, perhaps care of community, perhaps being able to have freedom and enjoyment that comes with our coastal recreational activities.

Then think of things you might be able to do a little differently with your emotions, how you’re thinking about the situation and positive actions you can take (either that help look after yourself directly, or through being involved within larger groups and projects).

Remember you may need multiple strategies and different strategies at different times.

Also remember to balance out activities that remove you from the problems, with those that more actively support yourself, or get you involved in the community.

Balance self-caring actions, with those that care for others and the coast and/ or community.

Many of us, are time poor and have many demands upon us that can make it challenging to know what we can do differently, but even small actions can go along way to feeling better.

For example, we could commit to writing our feelings, going for a walk in nature, helping with constructive social media posts, or simply listening to others who are struggling, signing a petition, lobbying for more action on climate change, telling the truth about events, or staying informed.

Here are a few more activity sheets for brainstorming and taking time to reflect, in a more free form way, on what’s important, our strengths and feelings – when we think of the ocean.

We can do this activity with coloured pens or even paints, we can draw pictures or forms, place worder or whatever comes freely. It is an invitation to be creative and express what may have been hard to put into words. Allow your thoughts and feelings to take shape freely and without judgement.