6 ways for charity leaders to support their wellbeing this winter
Whilst December is often a time to slow down for many, for those working in charities its often one of your busiest times, things will just be ramping up. This, along with a stream of social invitations, the school play, the Christmas shopping, and family responsibilities, you can find yourself feeling pulled in even more directions than usual. You might be holding your breath until your annual leave kicks in, telling yourself you just have to keep going, but there is a risk that you’re going to be so knackered by the time it comes around, that you don’t have the energy to enjoy it. But there are some simple ways you can make sure you get to the Christmas break without feeling like to need to sleep for a month.
Make sure you leave work on time
I know your to do list is huge, that you want to get everything done before the end of the year, you want everything tied up. But let’s be honest, is it realistic to get everything done in the time you have (you know, your contracted hours)? What do you have to do this year, and what can you come back to in January.
2. Celebrate the successes of the year with your team
You’ve all worked so hard this year, make sure you find time to acknowledge these successes. Spending time reflecting on what you have achieved together will bolster you all for when it gets tough, and help you stay focused on the reason you do what you do.
3. Your physical health
The festive period can be a licence to overindulge; the endless treats, the drinks at parties, recovering on the sofa. I know you know, but make sure you’re eating nourishing food, consider how much you really want to drink, and keep yourself active in whichever way you enjoy.
4. Prioritise quality time with friends and family (the ones you like)
You don’t have to say yes to every invitation, but equally try not to hibernate. Think about who you really want to spend time with, prioritise those invites, the ones where you will laugh. It can be harder when it comes to family commitments, I know you might feel guilty if you’re not there, even if you don’t want to be. So, if there are invites you feel you really can’t turn down, think about how you can support yourself through these events: can you set some boundaries; speak to yourself with compassion and use ways to soothe any difficult emotions you feel.
5. Make time for activities you enjoy
It’s so easy at the end of the day, once you’re finally home, once the kids are fed and in bed, to find yourself mindlessly watching a boxset whilst doom scrolling. I get it, it feels like you don’t have energy for anything else, but this will not restore you. Instead of helping you feel the energy you need for the next day, it will numb you. Have a real look at the time you have outside of work, and where can you carve out quality time for something you love. It doesn’t need to be hours, or everyday, but it regularly, consistently doing something you love, will fill your cup.
6. Do things which feel restorative
Self-care gets a bit of a bad rap. It can seem frothy, insubstantial even, and it is if our understanding of it is simply taking a bath or having some me time. Self-care is whatever feels restorative for you, that helps soothe or calm you, and helps you be ready to face the world and the challenges we experience. So, for some of us it might be a bath (I for one really like one after a long, stressful day), but it’s a lot more than that. We can think of practices which bolster us for the challenge, and things which soothe us afterwards – this takes a bit of reflection, and some trial an error to find what is right for you.
Whilst it would be brilliant to implement all of these, this might not feel realistic for you. If this is the case, then pick one or two areas where you can prioritise your needs, and this will likely have a knock-on effect on other areas. Remember, by looking after you, you’ll be in a better position to make a difference to others.
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