What do you do if your work-life balance is negatively affecting your mental health as a non-profit manager?

1 Assess your situation

The first step is to honestly evaluate how your work-life balance is affecting your mental health. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory or the Work-Life Balance Quiz, to measure your level of satisfaction, exhaustion, and engagement. You can also ask for feedback from your colleagues, friends, or family, or seek professional help if you need it. The goal is to identify the sources of your stress and the areas of your life that need more attention.

2 Set boundaries and priorities

The second step is to establish clear and realistic boundaries and priorities for your work and personal life. You can start by defining your core values, goals, and responsibilities, and aligning them with your organization's mission and vision. Then, you can communicate your expectations and limits to your staff, board, donors, and partners, and learn to say no to requests or tasks that are not aligned with your priorities. You can also use tools, such as a calendar, a planner, or an app, to organize your time and tasks, and block out time for yourself and your loved ones.

3 Delegate and collaborate

The third step is to leverage the power of teamwork and collaboration to reduce your workload and increase your impact. You can do this by delegating tasks and projects to your staff or volunteers, and providing them with the necessary training, support, and feedback. You can also collaborate with other non-profit managers, organizations, or networks, and share resources, ideas, or best practices. By delegating and collaborating, you can empower others, build trust, and create synergy.

4 Practice self-care and wellness

The fourth step is to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health, and adopt healthy habits and routines. You can do this by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol or drugs. You can also practice mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques, and seek counseling or therapy if you need it. Moreover, you can nurture your hobbies, interests, and passions, and spend quality time with your family, friends, or pets.

5 Celebrate and appreciate

The fifth step is to recognize and appreciate your achievements and contributions, and celebrate your successes and milestones. You can do this by setting and tracking your goals, measuring your outcomes and impact, and rewarding yourself and your team for your hard work. You can also express gratitude to your staff, board, donors, partners, and beneficiaries, and solicit feedback and testimonials from them. By celebrating and appreciating, you can boost your morale, motivation, and confidence.

6 Seek support and guidance

The sixth step is to reach out to others who can support and guide you in your journey of work-life balance and mental health. You can do this by joining a peer support group, a mentoring program, or a coaching service, and connecting with other non-profit managers who face similar challenges and opportunities. You can also access online or offline resources, such as books, podcasts, blogs, or courses, that can offer you valuable insights and tips. By seeking support and guidance, you can learn from others, expand your network, and grow as a leader.