The Importance of Taking Time for Yourself
by Veronica Garcia, Refugee Services Manager
I’ll say it. Life is SO busy sometimes. With work, family, friends, and volunteering, it seems like there just aren’t enough hours in the day or in the week. Do you ever say to yourself that you need a break but never take one?
What does “taking a break” look like to you, anyway? We all have different personality types. For me, I am an introvert. Taking a break for me looks like taking a long nap in the afternoon. That helps me recharge. I can’t do that during the work week, but on weekends I make sure I take that time for myself and just get a nap in! Taking time for yourself could be a small gesture like taking a nap to recharge your batteries, but for some it could be going out with friends and temporarily putting your obligations aside (responsibly!).
Taking a break can actually help boost creativity and productivity. If you think to yourself, “I can’t take a break or I’ll never finish my to-do list!” That’s ok! Finish your list and just relax for the night. Or, finish the month strong and then plan a day for yourself. It can be big or small; the point is to just be intentional about your own self-care.
““Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - ”
This verse encourages us to take care of ourselves by renewing our minds, which can include engaging in self-care practices such as prayer, bible study, exercise, or hobbies that bring us joy, and that ultimately glorifies God.
Self-care looks different for everyone, so I won’t tell you how to take care of yourself! Only you know what makes you happy and thrive. At Mission Adelante, we acknowledge that a break is so important! Volunteers do A LOT to keep our programs running smoothly and thrive the way that they are. We are set up in trimesters and have 4-6 week breaks in between so volunteers and participants avoid burnout. Breaks really do promote creativity! The new ideas I’ve seen volunteers come in the following trimester with or new materials they’ve created is amazing.
If you are a past or current volunteer, I want to say thank you for all your hard work in our programs! I want to especially thank my volunteers in Refugee ESL for their dedication in helping me create the program with innovative ideas, being adaptable, and of course taking time to transport students to and from Mission Adelante. You all deserve some rest!
If you are a future volunteer or thinking about committing to a trimester, just know that we care about you and what you have going on in life. We value your time and know burnout is real. Our breaks exist for a period of rest, creativity, and gaining some more motivation.
What will you do to disconnect and take a break? While programs are on break in April and most of May, I will be focusing on student recruitment, creating new ideas for Refugee ESL and Citizenship, and connecting with God more. As programs end next week, please take time to recharge. I will be praying for some rest for everyone!
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited to start this year and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us this trimester?
How can you help?
Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.
Volunteer – Come to our volunteer Orientation. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve
Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.