How can Non-profit Management professionals reduce work-related stress?

It's easy to be so wrapped up in the day to day, that it's impossible to know what really are the stressors, let alone the ones which you can control. The first thing to do is take some time out to think about what is causing, stress, anxiety or dread. Asking yourself how you feel about work, and free writing your responses is a great way to start to identify what the real challenges are. If you do this over a number of days, and asking yourself the additional question of why will help give greater clarity. Once you are clear on what is causing your stress you can start to make a plan of how these can be tackled, and who you need help from.

Effective time and energy management is crucial for reducing work-related stress in non-profit management. It involves prioritizing tasks using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix, focusing on the most urgent and important ones, and setting realistic goals. Time blocking helps structure your day, allocating specific time for different types of tasks. Delegation and learning to say no are critical for managing your time and energy efficiently, as is recognizing your energy patterns and scheduling high-priority tasks during peak hours. Taking regular breaks, unplugging after work, and planning your day contribute to a healthier work-life balance and stress reduction.

Little and often is best when it comes to establishing self-care habits which will make a difference. All too often we promise ourselves too much, and we struggle to stick to what we've committed to. For example 5 minutes of mindfulness a day is better than 30 minutes a month. It's also important to remember that self-care looks different for each of us, it's better to spend some time really thinking about what makes you feel good, than simply doing what your friend, colleague or expert says you should do. Finally, when work is impacting on your wellbeing, one of the most important things is boundaries between work and life.

In my experience with work related stress is figuring out what is really important and what is project waste. Project waste; project management methodology refers to inefficient workflow processes that hinder productivity, reduce output, and drive up costs. When we don't understand the scope of work being done then we just waste a lot of time that causes work stress. Having a supportive manager and team to understand the scope of duties and responsibilities will cause less stress and it won't feel like time was wasted.

What has worked for me is: Effective time management techniques. Delegating responsibilities to the team and encouraging them to take ownership of their roles are essential. Prioritizing self-care, including exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can significantly impact mental well-being. Learning to say no is vital; it's essential to decline additional responsibilities or commitments when already stretched thin. Seeking support from colleagues or mentors. Managing stakeholders' expectations is key; donors, volunteers, and staff must have realistic expectations of what the organization can achieve. Encouraging assistance and advocating for the necessary resources further contribute to a less stressful work environment.