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

Balancing the demands of a social impact project can be incredibly challenging, but making time for self-care is essential to sustain your energy and passion. I try to carve out small, consistent moments throughout the day - like a morning walk, a quick meditation, or even just taking a few deep breaths. I also set boundaries around my work, ensuring that I disconnect in the evenings to recharge. It’s about recognizing that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for maintaining the resilience needed to make a meaningful difference in the long run.

In the early days of my social impact work, I struggled with balance, often sacrificing self-care. Eventually, I realized that I couldn’t pour from an empty cup. What do I do? - I thought. So, I started scheduling daily walks and setting boundaries around my work hours. This practice of prioritizing my well-being has made me more effective and sustainable in my mission.

Start by prioritizing your tasks based on their urgency and importance. Identify which activities directly contribute to the success of your social impact project and focus on those first. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks, ensuring that you dedicate your time and energy to what truly matters. By prioritizing effectively, you can manage your workload more efficiently and create space for self-care.

In social impact work, the sense of urgency can be overwhelming, but effective time management begins with prioritizing tasks. Start by assessing your project's goals and deadlines, then identify which tasks will have the most significant impact. Focusing on what's truly important helps create a manageable schedule that includes time for breaks. Recognize that not all tasks are equally critical, and by concentrating on high-priority items, you allow yourself the space to practice self-care and maintain your well-being while still advancing your mission.

It is very easy to get caught up in mission and focusing on what everyone else needs. I find that scheduling self-care time in my calendar, just like I would a work related meeting, made me accountable and more likely to stick to the plan. It also served as a subconscious reminder to prioritize self-care as much as, if not more than, the daily whirlwind of duties and meetings.

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Define specific hours for work and make sure to disconnect outside those hours to recharge. Communicate these boundaries with your team and stakeholders, and stick to them as much as possible. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and ensures you have time to focus on your well-being.

Set specific boundaries for your self care time and your working time. And don't deprioritize sed care time in front of your working time. Set boundaries in your day when you will not do any work or think of work. Set time cycles where after every cycle, you'll take a short break. For example, every 85 minutes, you'll take a 15 minute break, or every 1.5 hours, you'll take a 20 minute break. Make sure you maintain these boundaries

Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others on your team. Recognize that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Assign tasks based on the strengths and capacities of your team members, allowing you to focus on higher-priority items while others handle routine or less critical work. Effective delegation not only reduces your workload but also empowers your team to take ownership and grow.

Lately I have been actively seeking when certain tasks should not only be delegated to others in my team, but also looking what are some additional capabilities outside of our team that we would might need on a one-time/less occurring basis. I think the world is somehow again going towards specialization - especially with having access to “AI for everything” and generalist focus being so hyped, there will be a stronger need for recognizing people that own their craft and genuine expertise

Empower Your Team: Trust others with responsibilities. Delegating tasks not only lightens your load but also fosters growth within your team. Leverage Technology: Use project management tools to streamline processes and reduce manual work.

Be flexible in your approach to both work and self-care. Understand that some days will be more demanding than others, and it’s okay to adjust your schedule accordingly. If unexpected challenges arise, be willing to adapt your plans without sacrificing your self-care routines. Flexibility allows you to maintain a balance between work and personal needs, even in a dynamic environment.

Maintain connections with peers and colleagues who understand the challenges of working in social impact. Sharing experiences, venting frustrations, and seeking advice from others in similar roles can be incredibly therapeutic. These connections provide emotional support and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Mentorship and Peer Support: Connect with others who are involved in social impact work. Sharing experiences and advice can be both motivating and reassuring. Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek therapy or counseling if the pressures become overwhelming.

Make time for regular breaks and activities that help you recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. This could include exercise, meditation, hobbies, or simply taking a walk in nature. Schedule these activities as non-negotiable parts of your day or week. Recharging regularly prevents burnout and keeps you energized and focused on your work.

Scheduled Self-Care: Treat self-care activities like non-negotiable appointments. This could be exercise, hobbies, or simply relaxing. Healthy Habits: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. These basics are often overlooked but are foundational to well-being.