How to balance volunteering with other responsibilities

We want to concentrate on family, career, hobbies, and even charity work because these are all significant and vital areas. However, despite our best efforts, it’s frequently impossible to do everything we want. There need to be more hours in the day or energy to get everything done while still giving each activity our all. Failure will result in eventual burnout if you try to do so.

One of life’s most fulfilling and meaningful activities is volunteering. However, even while volunteering has many advantages, some people may find it incredibly challenging because they are concerned that they won’t be able to manage the additional duties on top of their schoolwork, CCA, and personal lives.

The best of all worlds can be found by striking a healthy balance between volunteering and everything else. This balance is crucial for your health and well-being and for being at your best when helping others.

Here are five vital questions that you can ask yourself to balance 

What do you like?

Understand what motivates you to wake up in the morning. Include your interests if you’re new to volunteering and need help knowing where to begin. For example, can you combine your passions with an existing cause? Believe us when we say that having a positive view of life, especially in stressful or busy times, is aided by having a passion for what you do.

But hold on! There is a warning:  Just because a cause or activity appeals to you doesn’t imply it’s right for you to take advantage of it.

The best possibilities that let you participate meaningfully and with realistic expectations must be found. So, before committing, please do your homework to fully understand the time and effort commitments required and the expectations associated with any volunteering program. This will undoubtedly be a fantastic place to start when balancing life and volunteering.

How is your schedule?

Constantly remain on top of things and keep track of your schedule. What is the most effective way to accomplish this? Our go-to method: creating a plan!

Spend that time creating a schedule that balances your schoolwork, CCAs, volunteer work, and downtime. We promise it’s worth the hassle. A timeline highlights non-essential things to cut (heavy gaming, anyone?) and helps determine how much time you can adequately devote to volunteering.

Can you work in a team?

The truth is that  No volunteer acts on their own. Please be aware that your volunteer action impacts many stakeholders because this is a world of doing good (i.e., beneficiaries, and organizations).

Be honest about your commitments with the rest of your team and the staff. Don’t be afraid, to be honest, and express your troubles or worries when you can occasionally handle the burden or finish the duties allocated by the date provided. After all, keeping everything to yourself and being overly critical of yourself wouldn’t look good for you or the team. Why not, on the other hand, value effective teamwork and communication?

Who supports you?

Certainly, making sure your family at home is aware of your volunteer activities and prepared to help you when necessary will help you strike a balance. It will assist you in setting priorities. Sometimes all you need to keep going is a simple word of encouragement or some helpful company from your family.

Dedication or moderation?

Think again if you believe that getting enough rest and amusement isn’t necessary. We appreciate committed volunteers, but make sure you schedule enough downtime for fun and relaxation each day. To be more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, revitalize and recharge. Additionally, you become more productive and efficient, killing two birds with one stone.

You can establish a decent balance between volunteering and life if you approach the five questions above positively and take appropriate action. So even though it may be simpler said than done, it never hurts to give it a shot and use the advice that our knowledgeable volunteers have offered!