07/06/2020

Daily Buzz: Recognizing the Signs of Burn-out

It can and will happen

Nonprofit employees are being hit with plenty of stressors: limited budgets, small teams, and now a pandemic that’s stretching resources and workers even thinner. Take the wrong approach to managing this stress and you’ll burn out quickly.

For example, have you decided not to take a vacation so you can tackle these new work challenges? It could take a toll on you.

“Just because psychologists say vacations are important to reducing stress and improving overall well-being, it doesn’t mean taking one is necessary—right? Wrong,” said Wild Apricot’s Tatiana Morand. “Vacations can reduce our risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses, improve our mental health and strengthen our relationships with family and friends.”

You might also be saying “yes” to any assignment that comes your way in an effort to help out your limited staff. However, if you’re overworked, your performance will suffer and so will your health.

“But there’s something you can do about it. Just say, 'no,'” Morand said. “Regardless of your role at your organization, you have every right to let your manager know when you’re at your limit and simply can’t take on additional projects.”

Maybe you brush off chronic exhaustion as unavoidable—or even normal—as you work through a difficult period.

“Feeling tired for a day or two because of an early day, late night, or busy schedule is normal. Feeling tired for weeks on end is not,” Morand said. “If this is you, take a moment to acknowledge that your current approach to work isn’t, well, working for you anymore—and then take steps to re-balance and re-prioritize.”

Please select this link to read the original article from Associations Now.