As workers in the nonprofit sector, our jobs often require us to go above and beyond our job descriptions to pour into our communities. This can leave us feeling both emotional and mentally exhausted, which is why it's so essential to practice self-care.
Self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it may consist of setting more boundaries or turning off work notifications when you are trying to take a break; for others, it may be that you need to get organized or create a better working schedule. Whatever your need may be, it's essential to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.
Not sure how to get started? Let’s take a look at the self-care tips provided by our community to jump-start your self-care routine:
Break Time
Take a walk through your neighborhood or community space
Don’t work through your lunch break
Turn off app nofications
Find a space to meditate
Go to the gym
Declutter your mind
Make a gratitude list
Stretch
Call a friend or family member
Paint your nails
Weekends and/or Days Off
Step away from work
Do something creative
Do nothing
Treat yourself to something special
Organize your work space or computer files
Learn something new by taking a class
Read a book or poem
Take a nap
Watch a funny movie
Go on a self-date
Create a vision board
Visit a cafe'
Go for a mini-retreat
Write a letter to your younger self
During Work
Set boundaries with coworkers and clients
Take small breaks in between assignments
Move around your workspace
Set aside time to have face to face and virtual conversations, and get through your own workload
Trash negative thoughts
Appraise yourself
Play your favorite music
Drink more water
Say no
Ask for more help when you need it
These are just a few ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Of course, my favorite tip is to do nothing when I have downtown.
You've taken the first step in the right direction by looking into self-care; the next might look like identifying your needs, then practicing the routine you created for yourself. So go ahead and get started and watch how much these small changes can led to a big difference in your work/life balance.