That’s right…rather than focus on tips and tricks to elevate the effectiveness of your board, today we’re going to dance.

Yesterday I posted on my social media channels that it seems like nonprofit professionals are under more pressure than ever. Pressure to fill the gaps in services. Pressure to bridge the gaps of ignorance.

It’s harder to be staff in the social sector than it used to be. As a result, your health is suffering. We are also seeing burnout at a higher rate. Not good.

The good news is we can do something about it. Self-care is mentioned a lot these days and it’s a real necessity. You can carve out time to take care of YOU and greatly reduce the stress felt otherwise.

So what can you do to decrease your stress level?  A few quick tips:

  • Did you know that smiling really can make people feel happier? (Science Daily; April 12, 2019). I started grinning just thinking about it! That mind-body interaction is trippy. So when you’re stuck at your desk or on a dreary bus ride, just smile and see what happen.
  • Deep breaths while closing your eyes are good for increasing the supply of oxygen to your brain and it stimulates the nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness; it can also bring your awareness away from the worries in your head and quiet your mind.
  • And when movement boosts the heart rate the body releases endorphins, resulting in a boost of energy and improved mood. Hence the need to dance!  At times it might only be a vigorous toe tap and finger snap. At other times it could be a full-blown Snoopy dance. Whichever works for you – break away, pull up a favorite tune and enjoy yourself!!

  • And now that holistic/integrated/alternative medicine is becoming more acceptable, check out acupuncture (especially if you have insomnia from all the pressing issues you’re trying to solve) or go get a massage tonight.

No issue or person can take your power away to care for yourself.

Seriously, schedule it. And schedule your next social outing. Maybe you’ll go dancing ?? Having something on the calendar to look forward to is a great step in the right direction.

Here’s the thing, you can’t help others when you aren’t at your best. So do us all a favor and go take care of yourself. The research is there to show it will be worth it.

I’d love to hear how you decompress from the craziness in the comments below.

Gotta run….going to go rock out to some One Republic!

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