Working in the nonprofit sector is often a labor of love, driven by a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. However, the dedication and passion that fuel this work can also lead to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion if not properly managed. Self-care is essential for nonprofit employees to maintain their well-being and continue to perform at their best.
I know firsthand the importance of self-care as I found myself four years ago stressed all of the time, not knowing how to set boundaries, and most importantly, not saying, “no!” Oddly enough, the Pandemic forced me to slow down and reflect upon my life and the direction it was going and what was really important to me. Had I not slowed down, it would have definitely taken a toll on my health.
Fast forward to 2024, I am intentional about taking the time to treat myself once a month, to a day where I do nothing but take care of my self. No work, no business phone calls and no emails. I go to my favorite place to get a massage, pedicure, and end the day with taking myself to lunch. This gives me an opportunity to express gratitude for all that God has blessed me with and the talent he bestowed on me. This is also a time for me to rejuvenate and reflect on my business, future goals, and personal life. I strongly suggest that you consider at minimum, once per month to destress by doing something you enjoy. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.
To get started with your self-care journey, begin with recognizing the early signs of burnout such as always feeling tired and stressed. This is a tell tell sign that it is time to make some changes to stop further deterioration of your mental and physical health.
Next up is establishing boundaries and learning how to say no to protect your time and energy. Decide on specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Communicate your boundaries to colleagues and supervisors to ensure they are respected.
Finally, prioritizing your physical health as the saying goes, “Your Health is Your Wealth.” This is ensuring you get enough sleep, eat a balanced meal, and exercise regularly. Even small changes, like taking short walks can have a huge impact on your health and mood.
Seeking support by talking to a trusted friend or professional counselor to share your challenges is a huge deal. These strategies will provide relief and insights on managing stress. My sister and I have incorporated a weekly, “Sister Check-in” for 30 minutes on Fridays to talk about our week, frustrations and wins. We end our talk by boosting each other up with pure compliments. This gives us both enough juice to slay dragons another week.
Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for nonprofit employees who are dedicated to their cause. By recognizing the importance of self-care and implementing these strategies, you can maintain your well-being and continue to make a meaningful impact in your work. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to better take care of others and contribute effectively to your organization’s mission.
Questions? Email me at
Tamika@growyournon-profit.com or call (239) 293-2009. Like and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, by scanning the QR Code in the upper right corner of this article so you don’t miss my exclusive interviews with diverse leaders in our community. To learn more about Grow Your Non-Profit, visit www.growyournon-profit.com.
