Thinking about a world affected by climate change can be scary and even anxiety-inducing for some people. Climate change is a complex global issue that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and powerless.

One of the most effective things we can do to manage distressing feelings is to act on climate change by reducing our carbon footprint. Taking personal and collective action makes us feel engaged and part of the solution, which can help ease some of the anxiety.

Here are five simple actions you can take to reduce your climate impact:

• Walk or ride. Opt for walking or riding instead of driving when going short distances. This reduces carbon emissions and is good for your health.
• Incorporate more vegetarian meals. Reduce your meat consumption by including more vegetarian meals in your diet. This helps cut down on carbon emissions associated with meat production.
• Minimise food waste. Buy only what you need and get creative with leftovers. When food waste is unavoidable, put it in your green FOGO bin instead of sending it to landfill.
• Conserve energy. Turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use. This not only helps the environment but can also reduce your energy bills.
• Choose second-hand. Purchase second-hand items, like clothing and furniture, to keep them out of landfill and save money.

There are other practical things we can do to manage distressing feelings about climate change. Taking time out for ourselves away from the 24/7 newsfeed or spending time in nature can also be helpful strategies. As Mental Health Week approaches (5-13 October), it’s a great time to focus on actions that benefit both the planet and our wellbeing.