Volunteer-Life Balance – How do you balance your career, volunteer, family, and other roles?

This week is the 65th Annual Mental Health Week (#MHW2016) hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).  Their GETLOUD campaign encourages you to share how you are getting loud on their website, get social using the hashtag #GetLoud, wear green, and much more!

While posing for a picture to support #MHW2016, I remembered a conversation that I had with leaders of community associations in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.  They all wondered how to prevent burnt out in volunteers!  Stress from volunteering is a mental health concern, too!

Sarah Foot posing for a picture during Canadian Mental Health Week 2016.
Sarah Foot, Volunteer PG’s General Manager, getting loud for Canadian Mental Health Week, May 2-8, 2016.

 

So, the timing of Mental Health Week couldn’t be more perfect! My family would be the first to admit that I am not the best at protecting my mental wellness, especially when I am in the middle of exciting volunteering projects, etc.  For example, when I should have been in bed sleeping, I was drafting notes for this blog.  Sound familiar, anyone?

Ride Don't Hide Poster - Event Date June 26, 2016.  Sponsored by Canadian Mental Health Association - Prince George Branch.
If you missed celebrating Mental Health Week 2016, be sure to volunteer for the Ride Don’t Hide event on June 26, 2016.  Visit their website at http://ridedonthide.com/bc/ride/prince-george.

So, I encourage all volunteers to visit CMHA’s website to learn more about mental well-being and check out their great resources:

Sarah cuddling with her dog Morgan
One of my favourite ways to relieve stress is to cuddle with my yellow lab, Morgan.

What strategies do you use to protect your mental well-being when volunteering?  I’d love to hear your stories.  Please email me at volunteerpg@telus.net or share on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerPG #volunteerpg #GetLoud.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a trained health professional.

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