Discover how to balance self-care with the demands of philanthropy and prevent burnout in this informative article.

Daily, I try to do 3 things to take care of me and prevent burnout. For me, it is a good cup of coffee in the morning, spending an hour a day walking/exercising and a good glass of wine at the end of the day. If only one of these things happens, I am still taking care of me…doing small things that help fill my proverbial cup and prevent burnout. Often, I recommend to my clients to identify 3 inexpensive and easy things they can try to do each day to take care of themselves…it might be meditating, it might be journaling, watching their favorite television show, listening to music, yoga, napping, reading, etc. The list of possibilities is endless! Small things daily can lead to big outlook changes and prevent burnout.

Last updated on Apr 2, 2024

What do you do if your self-care is suffering in the demanding field of philanthropy?

Philanthropy is a deeply rewarding field, but the high stakes and emotional investment can take a toll on your well-being. If you find your self-care slipping, it's crucial to acknowledge the signs and take proactive steps to maintain your health and happiness. This article provides guidance on how to prioritize self-care while remaining committed to your philanthropic endeavors.

Key takeaways from this article

Daily self-care rituals:

Identify three simple daily activities that bring you joy or relaxation. It could be a morning coffee, a walk, or listening to your favorite music. Consistency in these small pleasures can prevent burnout and uplift your mood.
Reimagine restorative rest:

Challenge traditional views of productivity by embracing strategic pauses throughout your workday. Leaning into moments of quiet can rejuvenate your resilience and amplify your capacity to handle stress.

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1 Recognize Burnout

Burnout in philanthropy can creep up unnoticed, as you pour your heart into helping others. You might experience exhaustion, cynicism, or a sense of ineffectiveness. If you notice these feelings, it's important to address them head-on. Accept that burnout is a common occupational hazard in the field of giving, and that recognizing it is the first step toward recovery. Give yourself permission to step back and assess your personal needs, without feeling guilty for putting yourself first.

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2 Set Boundaries

In philanthropy, the line between personal and professional life can blur, leading to a 24/7 work mentality. It's essential to establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. Decide on work hours that allow for rest and leisure, and communicate these limits to colleagues and partners. Remember, setting boundaries isn't selfish; it ensures you can sustain your efforts and support others more effectively in the long run.

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3 Seek Support

You don't have to manage the pressures of philanthropy alone. Seek out a support network of peers who understand the unique challenges of the sector. This could be a formal group like a professional association or an informal gathering of friends in the field. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can provide relief and validation. Moreover, consider professional help if you're struggling; therapists or counselors can offer valuable tools for managing stress.

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4 Nurture Health

Physical health is the bedrock of mental and emotional well-being. Make sure you're eating nutritious meals, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. These basic self-care practices can significantly impact your ability to cope with stress and maintain resilience. If you're neglecting these areas, start with small, achievable changes, like a daily walk or a commitment to a healthier breakfast.

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5 Embrace Rest

Rest is not a luxury; it's a necessity for anyone in the demanding field of philanthropy. Incorporate regular breaks into your day, even if it's just a few minutes to breathe deeply or stretch. Schedule downtime where you disconnect from work completely, allowing your mind and body to recharge. Embracing rest can lead to greater productivity and creativity when you return to your philanthropic tasks.

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Crystal Hadnott

Philanthropy & Fundraising Consultant | Driving Transformational Impact through Sustainable Strategies and Innovative Fund Development
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The demanding field of philanthropy requires you to incorporate moments of restorative rest to be sustainable in operating at peak performance. We have to shift our mindset or perspective on rest as a catalyst for resilience and vitality. We have to challenge traditional notions of strength and success by doing the following, which I called the three-step framework of reimagining restorative rest: (1) leaning into the pause; (2) mirroring the strategic slowing down before a steep ascent; (2) getting quiet, you'll amplify your capacity to live loud, echoing the harmony found in the silence of nature.

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6 Reflect Often

Regular reflection on your work and its impact on your personal life can help you maintain balance. Take time to consider what aspects of your philanthropic work are most fulfilling and which might be draining your energy. Reflecting helps you identify changes that could improve your well-being, such as delegating tasks or focusing on projects that align more closely with your values. This ongoing process of self-assessment is key to sustaining both your mission and your health.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Lisa Dietlin

CEO/Keynote Speaker/Consultant at The Institute of Transformational Philanthropy/Adjunct Faculty /Fulbright Specialist/Manifesting Alchemist
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Daily, I try to do 3 things to take care of me and prevent burnout. For me, it is a good cup of coffee in the morning, spending an hour a day walking/exercising and a good glass of wine at the end of the day. If only one of these things happens, I am still taking care of me…doing small things that help fill my proverbial cup and prevent burnout. Often, I recommend to my clients to identify 3 inexpensive and easy things they can try to do each day to take care of themselves…it might be meditating, it might be journaling, watching their favorite television show, listening to music, yoga, napping, reading, etc. The list of possibilities is endless! Small things daily can lead to big outlook changes and prevent burnout.

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What do you do if your self-care is suffering in the demanding field of philanthropy?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Burnout

2 Set Boundaries

3 Seek Support

4 Nurture Health

5 Embrace Rest

6 Reflect Often

7 Here’s what else to consider

Philanthropy

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What do you do if your self-care is suffering in the demanding field of philanthropy?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Burnout

2 Set Boundaries

3 Seek Support

4 Nurture Health

5 Embrace Rest

6 Reflect Often

7 Here’s what else to consider

Philanthropy

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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