Volunteer Works. Avoiding Burnout: Stop The Stress Before It Stops You

By Danita Brisson

If volunteering has begun to feel less fulfilling and more draining, you might be experiencing burnout. This month panel members, Arlene Van Note, President of the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende, and Don Krim, President of Jóvenes Adelante discuss how to recognize burnout, what to do if you encounter it, and strategies to stop it before it stops you.

Recognize – How doesburnout feel?

Arlene says: “Trust your own body because it’s probably telling you to back off and get some time for yourself. Symptoms would be not sleeping well, crankiness. Being tired most of the time from spending more time in an effort to ‘fix’ whatever is going on. Feeling like I’ve failed to accomplish whatever I’m working so hard on and it’s not getting done. Frustration!”

She admits that sometimes the stress is caused by our perfectionist tendencies rather than external forces.

Don’s symptoms are similar. “Irritable, frustrated, unmotivated to get up and do the stuff that has to be done.” He too admits to causing himself stress. “Anything I devote my time to, paid or not paid … my commitment level is at maximum to my capacity. But I think in the nonprofit world specifically, the number one (stress) is the commitment to the mission.”

Take Action

Try removing the trigger while it’s happening. That might mean sending an email to the person who is causing the stress or formulating a plan, so you know the issue won’t be long-term.

Arlene’s approach is pragmatic. “Reality is always good. Perhaps what you think can be done really can’t. At least with the existing circumstances. A reevaluation of what the goals are and who and what is available to change it for the better might provide a better solution.” So, be realistic about what existing resources can achieve, and flexible about how you apply them.

Don also practices changing course. “When I’ve said ‘yes’ too many times, I need to say, ‘I can’t do all this,’ and ask for help. Some of (the burnout) is from not saying ‘no’ or from unclear expectations; taking on more than was initially disclosed. Some of it is our willingness to take on more, then having something show up in our personal lives that becomes a conflict.”

Resist

Stop taking on other people’s stress and try to surround yourself with positive people.

Says Arlene: “Burnout often comes from not learning to say ‘no’ often enough. Yes, you’re needed. But if you aren’t available they will find someone else! (Even though you could do it better.) All of the above, and a long, honest talk with your superior, or yourself if you’re self-employed (or self-directed)."

Don suggests maintaining a balance. “I honor what I think is a higher priority right now. I do take breaks and vacations, I’m not great at it though, and I hired a personal assistant.

That takes an enormous pressure off.”

To care for others, you must first care for yourself. Honor your limits and expect others to do so as well.

Take time to count your blessings and practice having an attitude of gratitude to balance stress.

If all else fails, walk away from the cause of the burnout and towards a new opportunity to  reignite your sense of joy and fullfillment.