Campaigning is demanding and emotionally charged work. It can inspire hope one minute and overwhelm the next. In our long-standing Resilient Campaigner workshop, we explore what it takes to sustain ourselves in this work – not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and creatively. And while the tools are out there, it’s all too easy to fall into common traps that leave us disconnected from why we started campaigning in the first place or riddled with campaigning burnout.
Here are three common (and deeply human) mistakes campaigners make when trying to avoid campaigning burnout, and what you can do instead.
Ignoring the early signs of campaigning burnout
It’s easy to assume stress is just part of being a campaigner. But the first mistake many make is pushing through warning signs rather than recognising them. In the Resilient Campaigner workshop, we talk about campaigning burnout signs and stress responses like:
- ‘chandeliering’ (sudden overreactions)
- numbing out
- insisting ‘I’m fine’ when we’re not
These are clues, not weaknesses. Start by noticing. When do you feel yourself checking out, lashing out, or withdrawing? Rather than brushing past those moments, pause. Use them as prompts to check in with yourself and reflect on what you need. Naming these burnout signs is the first step to shifting your response.
Believing resilience means ‘toughing it out’ alone
Campaigners are often determined and deeply values-driven. That’s part of what makes us effective. But many of us fall into the trap of thinking we must be resilient all on our own, that asking for help is a sign we’re not strong enough.
Resilience doesn’t mean doing everything in silo – it means staying connected. Through the workshop, we explore practical tools like identifying your support team, setting healthy boundaries, and giving yourself ‘permission slips’ to prioritise your wellbeing. You’re not a machine – as a campaigner, you’ll benefit greatly from human, connected ways of working.
Losing touch with why you started
Over time, the day-to-day of campaign work (pressure, urgency, and complexity) can start to drown out the passion that brought us here. This disconnect can eat away at motivation and lead to cynicism, exhaustion, and compassion fatigue.
Reconnect to your values. One of the six self-care strategies this workshop explores is using your personal values as a compass. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, come back to those values. Let them guide how you spend your time, where you focus your energy, and what you say yes (or no) to.
If you want to explore these topics in a little more depth, then join our upcoming Resilient Campaigner workshop on Monday 13th October. This practical and reflective session is designed to equip campaigners with the tools to sustain themselves and their work, particularly those in high-pressure or resource-strained environments.
The session is led by Jo Martyn, an experienced facilitator, and learning and development practitioner who works with individuals and teams to support mental health, wellbeing, leadership, and resilience.