Here's how you can prioritize self-care as a non-profit manager juggling multiple responsibilities.

Working as a non-profit manager can be exhausting, especially when financial flexibility does not always allow for sufficient staffing or resources, requiring constant problem-solving. It’s easy to overcommit, especially when you are passionate about the cause. However, it's crucial to remember that neglecting self-care can lead to burnout or decreased productivity. Set specific work hours and communicate clearly to your colleagues that, except in emergencies, you will not work outside these hours. Avoid checking emails or work phone after work hours.

I love how this says non-negotiate but then number five says be flexible. The reality is you have to be flexible with everything If you multitasking for not-for-profit or anything flexibility is the key to being a successful manager at any level. And the unfortunate reality is that self-care comes second over other priorities including making sure that whatever you're involved in gets done first.

Delegation is indeed crucial, but one of the most important aspects to delegate is determining who will be accessible outside of working hours in case of emergencies. Plan and implement a system where specific roles, akin to an "on-call" status, are assigned for emergency situations only. For instance, you might designate a rotational duty among team members who can be reached during off-hours for urgent matters. This system ensures that not just one person is burdened with after-hours issues, and it allows for planned and shared responsibility. Communicate this arrangement clearly within your team, so everyone understands when and how they might be required to be accessible, ensuring it’s fair and manageable for all involved.

I'm sorry once again I find this to be amusing. The only reflecting I will regularly get to do is looking in the rearview mirror as I'm going from one task to another. Reflection is done as a recap with your team to go over critical areas for both good and bad positive and negative and the results from whatever tasks you're involved with. Reflection isn't something that happens in isolation in the work environment it is collaborative with your team. Take them to lunch, that's self care and caring.

I think this article was written by a machine because it has no real world practicality involved in it. Self care can be easy and as simple as cutting the grass having some quiet time alone walking and be able to be reflective. It doesn't only involve hitting the spa. Self-care can mean anything and different things for other people, just not working is self-care. The unfortunate reality is that most of us will never have the luxury of having enough time for self-care as this article proposes. You find time, moments in between what we do at work, at home and at play and consider those self-care. That is the reality of where we are today.