Find strength in resistance so we can fight back! It’s hard to maintain energy and a positive outlook when our government and fundamental rights are under attack. The weight of existential crises—threats to democracy, reproductive rights, healthcare access, and environmental protections—can leave us feeling powerless and exhausted.

But in moments like these, resilience is not just an option; it’s a necessity.

One of the most insidious tools of oppression?

The constant pressure for women to shrink—our bodies, our voices, our power.

Enough of the diet talk.

Enough of the exercise-as-punishment mentality.

These distractions keep us from recognizing our strength and taking action where it truly matters.

Instead, let’s refocus our energy on resisting in ways that matter and reclaiming our power.

Vedic Science for Harsh Times

From a yogic and Ayurvedic perspective, the cultural samskara (behavioral pattern) of restrictive dieting and punishing exercise is an extension of societal conditioning that distracts and weakens women.

The principle of Ahimsa (non-harm) encourages us to reject these self-punishing behaviors and instead cultivate nourishment and strength.

When we push ourselves into cycles of deprivation and overexertion, we deplete our Ojas (inner strength and vitality)—the very essence that sustains our resilience.

By shifting our focus from self-punishment to self-preservation, we empower ourselves to fight back with clarity and vitality.

Similarly, practicing Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) allows us to protect our minds from the toxic messaging of diet culture, consumerism, and fear-driven media, helping us conserve our energy for meaningful resistance.

Here are five ways to fight back:

1. Change the Channel: Break Up with Corporate Media to Stay Strong

Certain social media platforms thrive on outrage and misinformation. They keep us in a cycle of doomscrolling that drains our energy and warps our perception of reality. Stay away!

Protect your senses to avoid overwhelm! Embrace the practice of selective Pratyahara.

Instead, switch to independent media outlets that prioritize factual reporting and diverse perspectives. Support women-led and BIPOC-led journalism, subscribe to trusted news sources, and engage in real, meaningful conversations beyond the algorithm.

Embrace informative, positive information and try not to get sucked into negative energy.

2. Ditch Big Business & Support Ethical Shopping

Big businesses’ monopolization of online commerce and exploitative labor practices make it one of the biggest corporate forces working against small businesses and workers’ rights.

While it may be difficult, shifting purchases to smaller, ethical businesses, worker-owned cooperatives, or even local independent bookstores and grocers is a powerful way to vote with your wallet.

Websites like Bookshop.org, Thrive Market, and Etsy offer alternatives that align with ethical consumerism.

What independent platforms do you love to use? Comment below!

3. Call Out Misinformation & Propaganda

Misinformation spreads quickly and shapes public opinion in dangerous ways. Whether it’s a misleading news article shared by a relative or a manipulative political ad, speaking up matters.

Educate yourself on media literacy, respectfully challenge falsehoods, and provide credible sources. Engage in real-world conversations and help others understand how propaganda works to manipulate emotions and suppress action.

Remember that we are ONE big family! Your ability to communicate compassionately and respectfully matters.

That being said, it’s okay to be angry or frustrated. What’s happening is unfair and unjust. Use your anger for good.

4. Engage in Local Politics

Power doesn’t just reside in Congress—it exists in local school boards, library committees, city councils, and state legislatures. These are the institutions making decisions about what books our children can read, what reproductive healthcare is available in our communities, and how voting districts are drawn.

Remember to speak up and make your voice heard – respectfully so.

This helps to release the karma that has long affected women’s voices, which helps to liberate our agency.

Attend meetings, volunteer for campaigns, or run for a position yourself. Your voice matters more than you think.

5. Prioritize Self-Care for Sustainable Activism

Burnout is REAL, and the fight for democracy is a marathon, not a sprint. Nourishing your body, mind, and spirit isn’t selfish—it’s strategic.

Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, breathwork, and herbal support can help maintain resilience in the face of prolonged challenges.

Yoga to Hold Your Ground: Strength & Perseverance

Approach yoga practice in a way that builds strength and prepares for perseverance. Don’t tire yourself out. For this moment, I offer a grounding, nourishing practice perfect for a New Moon when there may be low-energy vibes.

Honor that a woman’s energy reflects that of the moon cycle and times of rest and pause is part of the marathon.

Join me on the mat!

Herbal Allies for Strength & Stamina

Choose your herbal allies! Here are some of my favorites that I’ve used myself.

• Tranquil Mind (Banyan Botanicals): Featuring gotu kola, bhringaraj, and shankhapushpi, this blend promotes calm and mental clarity, helping you stay focused and steady amidst chaos. Great for Pitta fiery-types. Get it, girl!

• Stress Ease (Banyan Botanicals): With adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and tulsi, this formula supports the nervous system and helps maintain energy levels under stress. Better for Vata airy-types. You know who you are!

• Qi for Energy & Stamina (Anima Mundi): This powerful blend combines adaptogens like ginseng and astragalus to enhance endurance, vitality, and overall stamina—perfect for sustaining long-term activism. Add it to your favorite Ayurvedic tonic or power smoothie.

Yes, these are affiliate links and are totally optional. Thank you for supporting my woman-owned business, if you do. I respect your decision should you choose to order them elsewhere (unless it’s Amazon).

No pressure whatsoever. I’m simply referring you to my most trusted brands. Your purchase produces a small commission at no cost to you.

The fight for our rights requires both resistance and resilience. By refusing to be distracted, taking intentional action, and prioritizing self-care, women can harness their collective power to push back against oppression.

This is not the time to shrink—it’s the time to rise.

Don’t forget that we’ve been through this before as a country. Women have had to fight for their rights MANY times before and we won. We’ve won the vote, we won access to gainful employment, we won ownership and management of our own money, and we won access to birth control and abortion care.

The message is: just keep showing up.

Let our previous heroes and triumphs be a source of hope and inspiration for all of us as we work together towards a common goal – for ALL people in the US to have equal rights. This is going to be a marathon, so keep your strength up and get ready to persevere!

Time to roll up your sleeves! Look for your heroes and super friends and stand up for what you believe in.

What are you doing to resist? Comment below!

Sources

All About Ojas: How to Build Your Sustainable Energy – Banyan Botanicals

https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/blogs/wellness/stillness-with-ahimsa?

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Please be advised that the content on this website is for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a medical professional.