If you’re passionate about your job, you might be willing to work long hours and forgo other parts of your life. But devoting yourself to your work along could have consequences, argues HubSpot’s Pamela Bump.

“While your role might not ‘feel’ like a job, working long hours without making time for yourself eventually takes a major toll,” she says. “In fact, research shows that throwing yourself into work too heavily could cause stress, burnout, and—commonly—a lonely personal life.”

How do you find the right balance? Start by creating clear boundaries—for example, by setting a hard stop to your workday.

“If your role revolves around large projects or long to-do lists, you might be tempted to work late or on weekends to get more done,” Bump says. A hard stop each day helps prevent overexertion.

It’s also important to set aside personal time during the workday: “If your schedule allows, one way to do this is by blocking time for breaks or short self-care activities, such as taking a walk, on your calendar.” These midday activities can help you recharge, reducing stress and burnout.

New Ways to Build an Association Community

One question associations are grappling with is how do we continue to build, foster, and nurture our member communities when in-person meetings, a key community driver, is suddenly gone? https://t.co/QTk82DVdt7 #ASAE pic.twitter.com/oGogCVw4g5

— Amanda Lea Kaiser (@AmandaLeaKaiser) April 3, 2020

When in-person events are off the table, members need new ways to connect, says Amanda Kaiser of Smooth the Path.  “In the past, we provided the physical space and the setting,” she says. “Our job now is to create the space AND get the conversation started.”

Associations should take the time to gather members in a virtual space and start a discussion. That way, members are still connecting with each other.

“Since we are often online with our members during these conversations, we can help set the tone for the community’s culture. When we warmly welcome members to their first online meeting, they get a sense of how community members behave,” Kaiser says.

Other Links of Note

An email list is one of the most crucial elements of email marketing, says Christeen Paul on the Nonprofit Hub blog.  She offers tips to create a great list.

Taking care of yourself is critical during difficult times, says Marjorie Anderson on Community by Association. She breaks down how to manage self-care while you’re caring for others too.

Careful using Safari: Mashable reports details of a new exploit affecting the Mac and iOS browser that could allow attackers access to your microphone and camera.

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