Haifa Center Holds Workshop on Managing Psychological Stress in Activism

The Center for Equality (Musawa) in Haifa organized its third workshop, titled 'Managing Psychological Stress and Fear,' focusing on the pressures and anxieties associated with community and political activism. The session, part of a series on dealing with political violence and persecution, was facilitated by Suha Batheesh and Mohammed Mansour from Humanity Crew.

Participants discussed their feelings, their sources, and strategies for coping without letting them impede their work. A practical exercise explored the connection between emotions and physical manifestations of stress, such as tension in the stomach and back muscles, emphasizing the importance of heeding bodily signals.

The workshop also included sharing personal stress-relief methods like walking in nature, listening to music, and taking breaks from stressful situations. The facilitators provided practical tools for healthy stress management, highlighting the role of physical activity in releasing accumulated tension, likening the body to a sponge that needs regular emptying.

The session concluded with participants sharing a single word to describe their feelings upon departure. The series aims to enhance legal and practical knowledge, develop tools for psychological well-being, and reduce burnout, thereby supporting activists' continued engagement in their community work.