With fundraising, especially in the non-profit sector, there’s always more work than there is time. From courting potential donors to hours of grant writing, there are very few times a fundraiser’s job feels done. Beth Kanter gives you tips on how to avoid burnout below.

1) Take Time Off

The best, and most logical, times to take breaks are after fundraising events. You worked hard to plan that gala, festival, luncheon, etc.

2) #boringselfcare

There is a recent hashtag out there all about boring self-care.  These are the things we do that aren’t fun or exciting.  It’s the boring things that are important to our well-being.  This means that you pick up the medications you need from the pharmacy, go to the dentist, clean your bathroom, do your laundry, pay your bills.

3) Refreshing Self Care

Not all self-care is boring.  Don’t do a disservice to yourself by not having moments of indulgence.  Get a massage, go on that hike, read that non-work related book, watch too much Netflix, get a pedicure, do whatever your heart desires.  Moments of indulgence can go a long way to helping avoid burnout.

4) Don’t isolate – be social

At the end of a long day of meetings and phone conferences, sometimes the last thing we want to do is talk to more people.  We deal with people all day, so wanting down time is normal.

5)  Get Support from Your Boss or Peers

You have a supervisor for a reason.  When you are stressed or overworked or feel like you’re out of ideas – talk to them.  Hopefully, your supervisor has lived through similar experiences and can offer advice and validation to help you.

6) Take a Field Trip or Learning Day

Taking seminars or attending workshops fundraising topics or professional skillscan be a real boost to motivation. When you get caught up in day-to-day drudgery, it can cause you to forget what you love about your work.

7) Celebrate your successes

Every day in a non-profit there are big and little successes.  Don’t forget to recognize and celebrate your successes and accomplishments.

Read the source article at Beth Kanter's Blog