Balancing the demands of a social impact project is tough. How do you make self-care a priority?

Balancing work and personal can be challenging when the job requires much time and focus. Do the best you can. Work hard and set long-term and short-term goals. Keep moving things forward, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

I learnt during COVID that my giving back nature and helping anyone who asked can have a significant impact on ones life. To own all is problematic and I found my ability to cope mentally drove me into a dark abyss that was challenging to climb out of. I was fortunate to not only be aware that my limits were being tested by to listen to others around me who had also identified changes in my behaviour. So my advice it to always be open to others opinions and advice - consider as part of your own self reflection by attaching it too your LIFE Balance ie: what is most important to you first personally that then your profession / hobbies and interests can support! Let #1 - A healthy & vibrant YOU be the lens you look through

Implement a “personal energy audit” to regularly assess and understand how various tasks and interactions affect your energy levels. Track your energy peaks and troughs throughout the day and week to better align your most demanding tasks with your high-energy times. Additionally, schedule regular “energy check-ins” with yourself to reassess and adjust your workload and self-care practices as needed.

Setting your own boundaries is crucial. AND it is usually not enough. Are you considering working at a company or organization that expects employees to sacrifice themselves for the cause? Where leadership does not model self-care? If that is the case, think hard if you have your own self care sufficiently dialed in to take care of yourself in that environment.

Balancing social impact work with personal well-being is crucial. Recognize your limitations and set boundaries. Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and schedule breaks. Practice self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and hobbies to recharge. Remember, burnout hinders productivity; taking care of yourself ensures long-term effectiveness.

Use time-blocking techniques to visually allocate time for work and self-care activities in your calendar. Tools like Google Calendar or time management apps can help you set reminders for these activities and ensure they are treated as priorities. Consider creating a “self-care toolkit” with a list of activities that help you unwind, so you can quickly choose one when you need a break.

To balance a demanding social impact project, schedule self-care like any other important task. Block out specific times for rest, relaxation, and activities you enjoy. Protect these blocks and avoid overcommitting. Remember, a well-rested and rejuvenated you is better equipped to make a lasting impact.

Create or join a peer support group specifically for those in social impact work. Regular meetings, either virtual or in-person, can provide a platform for sharing experiences, brainstorming solutions to common challenges, and offering mutual support. Networking events or forums dedicated to social impact professionals can also broaden your circle of support and provide fresh perspectives.

Strong relationships are essential for maintaining well-being amidst demanding projects. Build a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and friends. Share your challenges, celebrate successes, and seek advice. Regular social interactions can provide emotional support, fresh perspectives, and opportunities to recharge. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

Develop a set of “self-care strategies” that you can deploy based on the current situation. This could include quick stress-relief techniques for urgent moments, or more extensive self-care plans for times when you can anticipate needing recovery time. Being prepared with a flexible toolkit allows you to adapt your approach to self-care in response to changing demands and pressures.

Juggling social impact work demands adaptability. Prioritize self-care by being flexible with your schedule, tasks, and expectations. Allow for rest, breaks, and adjustments as needed. Remember, a well-rested and balanced you are better equipped to create lasting change.

Taking time to reflect is a powerful skill & required habit when running a social enterprise. I say this often as a Non For Profit in my eyes required a steady pace to drive maximum impact. What I mean is that in a Commercial Business Pace is critical to often outrun the competition, in a Social Enterprise taking time to ensure that the required impact trumps your own desired impact and this takes time, conversations, knowledge and a lot of self reflection and team member reflection on ensuring alignment through careful understanding of the good the bad & the ugly to ensure sustained energy in attaining non for profit missions.

Set aside dedicated “reflection time” on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to review your experiences and progress. Use structured reflection prompts or guided exercises to delve deeper into your thoughts and feelings. Additionally, consider integrating reflection into team meetings to share insights and learnings with colleagues, which can provide additional support and perspective.

Create a “health optimisation plan” that includes practical daily routines for nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Use apps or wearable technology to track your physical health metrics and set reminders for healthy habits. Additionally, consider scheduling regular health check-ups and wellness assessments to proactively manage your physical well-being and address any issues before they become significant.