In conversation with The Resilience Project’s Fellowship Alum and facilitator, Tala.
World Mental Health Day gives us a moment to stop and reflect. Not just on how we talk about mental health, but on how we actually care for it in the middle of our busy, purpose-driven lives.
For people who care deeply about the state of the world, that balance can be especially hard to find. There’s so much work to do for people and planet, often alongside studying, working, or caring for others. At The Resilience Project, we work alongside young changemakers to empower them unlock the tools within themselves to protect their mental health and avoid burnout.
One of the most powerful ways to do this is by prioritising time to unwind, rest, and reconnect, which is why we created People, Planet, Pause: a weekly online space to find community and calm.
Facilitated by Tala (an alum of our Resilience Fellowship and yoga teacher) these sessions combine mindfulness, movement, and reflection. Because recharging looks different for everyone, Tala reminds us it’s all about finding what works for you. Here, she shares her personal guide to recharging.
When the world feels overwhelming, what’s the first small thing you do to pause and recharge?
Tala: The first thing I do is notice how I’m engaging with the world around me, especially the news. Am I doom-scrolling? Checking social media the moment I wake up? That’s usually a sign that I’m struggling to hold boundaries with my phone. I don’t cut myself off, but I try to be more intentional in choosing when to check rather than letting it fill every spare moment. It always starts with noticing — just gently observing my patterns and triggers without judgment.
Why do you think pausing is so important for young changemakers and activists right now?
Tala: The world can feel so intense right now, and it’s easy for activists to carry the weight of it all. Pausing allows us to refill our energy and channel those feelings into purposeful action instead of reacting from exhaustion or burnout. It’s how we sustain ourselves for the long haul.
What’s one mindfulness or yoga practice you’d recommend to someone who feels anxious or burnt out?
Tala: I’d say start with your breath. Try slowing down and elongating your exhales. Just a few longer, softer breaths can shift everything. I do this everywhere: in the supermarket queue, before bed, on the bus. Your breath is always there to help you ground yourself again.
How do you personally balance caring for yourself while caring about the planet?
Tala: Through yoga and meditation, I’ve learned to tune into my body’s signals before burnout sets in. I remind myself that activism is lifelong work, and caring for myself is part of caring for the planet. It helps me stay grounded, resilient, and able to sustain this work for the long haul.
What are you most excited about for the People, Planet, Pause programme?
Tala: I’m really excited to offer a space that brings together activism and wellbeing. So often, we have wellness spaces that don’t touch on real-world issues, or activist spaces that forget to care for the people doing the work. People, Planet, Pause holds both. It’s about nurturing ourselves so that we can keep showing up for the world with heart and resilience.
If someone could only take away one message from World Mental Health Day this year, what would you want it to be?
Tala: It’s okay to feel disappointed or heartbroken by the state of things. You’re truly not alone in that. Those feelings mean you care deeply, and that care is something we can build from together.
👉 Join Tala online for People, Planet, Pause on Wednesdays, 6:00pm – 7:30pm UK time, from 1 October to 17 December.