What do you do if your well-being is at risk in the field of Social Impact?

In my experience, if your well-being is at risk in the field of social impact, it's essential to prioritize self-care and take steps to address the challenges you're facing. One can employ the following strategies to accelerate this: 1. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities or commitments when necessary and prioritize activities that replenish your energy and well-being. 2. Don't hesitate to reach out for support from colleagues, friends, or mentors who understand the challenges of working in the social impact sector. 3. Collaborating with others can lighten the load and foster a sense of shared responsibility and teamwork.

If your well-being is at risk in Social Impact, it is important to prioritize your health and safety. This may involve seeking support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals, setting boundaries, taking breaks, and practicing self-care. It is also important to address any issues or concerns with your organization or employer to ensure you're safe.

The first step is to conduct a thorough self-assessment, considering emotional, physical, social, and occupational aspects of life. Identify signs of strain like chronic fatigue or irritability. Acknowledge the issue to find a solution.

Na minha experiencia, no campo do Impacto Social, é comum lidar com desafios que podem afetar o bem-estar, principalmente quando estamos em atividades no território/campo. é crucial saber como agir quando nos deparamos com situa??es que colocam em risco nossa saúde mental e emocional. E mais importante ainda é sabermos o momento de parar e avaliar os riscos para uma tomada de decis?o antes de um problema eminente. Priorizar o bem-estar no campo do Impacto Social é fundamental para a sustentabilidade a longo prazo. Ao reconhecer os sinais de risco e agir proativamente, é possível mitigar os impactos negativos e promover um ambiente saudável e produtivo para todos os envolvidos.

It can be so challenging to set healthy and firm boundaries when working in a field deeply tied to your core purpose and that you enjoy, however it is absolutely essential. I struggled with this so much early on in my career, constantly burning out. It was a lesson I had to learn several times before I committed to a more balanced and sustainable way of working.

Acknowledging and respecting your physical limits is crucial in today's fast-paced work environment. It's essential to recognize the signs of overexertion and understand that prioritizing your health is a form of self-respect and professional responsibility. By setting clear boundaries, you not only safeguard your well-being but also set a positive example for others to follow. This approach leads to sustained productivity and a healthier work-life balance, which benefits both the individual and the organization.

We tend to get involved in social impact because it's personal to us. This can make boundaries hard to set or require resetting activities outside of work. Personally, I found stepping into a social impact role hard because previously I had spent my downtime reading about accessibility and disability. Once I took a role in the field it was overwhelming to read about it outside of work. The boundaries I had to set were - all work and learning within set hours - new hobby / topic to learn about outside of work It was hard at first, but it was absolutely the right thing to do.

Time Boundaries: Establish work hours and stick to them. Communicate this to your colleagues and supervisor. Turn off work email notifications on your phone and computer outside of work hours. Resist the urge to check work emails or messages during evenings and weekends. Workload Boundaries: Learn to say no to taking on more than you can handle. It's okay to explain to your supervisor that you're already stretched thin and taking on additional responsibility would affect the quality of your work. Prioritize ruthlessly. Client/Beneficiary Boundaries: Maintain professional relationships with clients or beneficiaries. Let them know when and how they can reach you, and stick to those parameters.

Take 2 steps back and reflect on what situations or interactions drain your energy or negatively impact you. Setting time boundaries, when to reply, and when to take a break from replying. Unless safety is compromised, we don't have to give a response immediately. It is okay to decline a volunteering offer if you don't think you are emotionally available. Decide how much emotional investment you can afford and when to step back. Taking care of yourself is crucial. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

I will definitely set boundaries with limitations as setting boundaries is not a sign of weakness; it's a proactive strategy to maintain our health and effectiveness in our role

In the journey of making a social impact, it's vital to remember that you are part of a community with shared goals and challenges. You are not alone! Leveraging the support of friends, family, and professional therapists can provide the resilience needed to navigate through tough times. Employee Assistance Programs are also a crucial resource, offering confidential help to address personal and professional hurdles. Moreover, connecting with peers in the field can foster a supportive network, providing unique insights and collective wisdom to persevere in your mission. Remember, never underestimate the power of a prayer ??

I definitely don’t do this as well as I’d like - but things are so much better when we have a community of peers (give or take) that we can rely on. Personally, in most all of my jobs, I find myself with a “work wife”. Someone who I talk to throughout the day, who feels like “my person” in the professional, work setting. It’s been people at the same company I’m at, but sometimes it’s been peers who are elsewhere - but we’ll chat through Google Hangout or LinkedIn. Having a community and support system of peers is important to do, and REALLY important to start funding before you hit your capacity.

Don't Go It Alone: Building Your Support System Protecting your well-being in social impact work is much easier with a strong support system. Here are some resources to consider: Friends and Family: Sharing your challenges with loved ones can provide emotional support and a listening ear. Professional Therapist: A therapist can provide guidance on managing stress, developing coping mechanisms, and setting boundaries. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many organizations offer confidential counseling services through EAPs. Peers in the Social Impact Field: Connecting with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of this work can provide a sense of solidarity and shared experience.

I always say - you do not fall down because you are weak, you get back up because you are strong. In regard to self care I have 3 thoughts. 1. You can’t see what is going on from the inside. You need to listen to those that are telling you to stop, take timeout or do something different. 2. You are in control of your destiny and choices at work. It may not feel like it but pushing through only leads to more work on your plate. 3. Sometimes when your workload is too big, eliminating something still means your workload is too big. You aren’t necessarily doing more, there is just less that isn’t getting done . Recognise this as well.

Don't forget that taking a break is not a luxury, but a necessity. Your mind and body need rest to function at their best. So, make it a priority to take time off and recharge yourself. Doing so will help you to perform better and make a more significant impact on the lives of those you serve.

To help others, you have first to help yourself. Integrating self-care into your daily routine is an essential aspect of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. It's not just about indulging in relaxation; it's about engaging in activities that revitalize your well-being and enhance your productivity. Whether it's through exercise that boosts your physical health, meditation that clears your mind, or hobbies that spark joy, self-care is a multifaceted practice. By prioritizing self-care, you're not being selfish; you're equipping yourself with the energy and resilience needed to be of service to others. Remember, self-care is a personal investment that pays dividends in all areas of your life.

Here's why reevaluating your goals is important: Promote Sustainability: Setting realistic goals allows you to pace yourself and avoid feeling overwhelmed. This promotes long-term sustainability in your work. Celebrate Milestones: Focusing on achievable goals allows you to celebrate smaller victories along the way. This keeps you motivated and reinforces positive progress. Manage Expectations: Social change is often a slow and iterative process. Adjusting your expectations can help you avoid feelings of inadequacy or failure if results aren't immediate.

Take a step back and seeing how far you’ve come. Slow down, reevaluate and plan for the future. It’s essentially the same cycle that companies go through that successfully tackle their social sustainability issues. By looking back and seeing what impact you have and how that manifests itself will allow you to discard anything that creates unwanted impact.

In my experience If your well-being is at risk in the social impact field, try these steps to address the situation. Recognize the signs: Be aware of the signs that indicate your well-being is at risk. These may include chronic stress, fatigue, decreased motivation, or physical and emotional exhaustion. Seek support: Reach out to a support network of colleagues, friends, or mentors who can provide guidance and advice. Discuss your concerns and consider their perspectives and insights. Sometimes, simply talking about your challenges can provide a fresh perspective. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Prioritize self-care and ensure you have time for rest, relaxation, and activities that recharge you.

In my experience If your well-being is at risk in the social impact field, try these steps to address the situation. Recognize the signs: Be aware of the signs that indicate your well-being is at risk. These may include chronic stress, fatigue, decreased motivation, or physical and emotional exhaustion. Seek support: Reach out to a support network of colleagues, friends, or mentors who can provide guidance and advice. Discuss your concerns and consider their perspectives and insights. Sometimes, simply talking about your challenges can provide a fresh perspective. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Prioritize self-care and ensure you have time for rest, relaxation, and activities that recharge you.

There are many reasons why your well-being might be at risk in social impact - secondary trauma from the experiences of those you serve, the actual setting of your work, or perhaps organizational culture and toxic leadership. For all of us in social impact, there are 2 big picture keys to keeping us well: 1. Visualizing the future we dream of and returning to that vision often. 2. Maintaining a collectivist mindset - find your people who share your values and vision and remember that we all contribute but no one person can do it alone.

Don’t forget that companies can also have social impact by hiring people with disabilities, taking care of their employess and contribute to their welfare with wellbeing programs! The social impact potential is huge and i see that value (and the value it creates for society) with companies that measure their contributions and steer on value maximization!