Volunteering can be one of the most fulfilling things you do. Giving your time and energy to help others is a wonderful way to make a difference. This September, I started volunteering at a kindergarten, and it has been such a rewarding experience. The children’s laughter, curiosity, and endless energy brighten my days. But volunteering also comes with challenges, and I’ve learned how important it is to take care of myself to avoid burnout.

Volunteer burnout happens when the excitement and energy you once felt start to disappear, replaced by tiredness or frustration. It’s often the result of taking on too much or not having enough support. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by something you love doing, you might know what I mean. It’s important to notice the signs early and find ways to stop it before it gets worse.

For me, it started with small things. Some days I felt extra tired, even when I’d slept well. Planning activities, or finding new songs for the kids, something I usually loved, felt harder. Sometimes, I even wondered if what I was doing really mattered. It felt strange because I care so much about the work, but those feelings were hard to ignore.

What really helped was taking a step back and setting some boundaries. At first, I wanted to help with everything and do as much as possible. But I’ve learned it’s okay to say no and focus on tasks I enjoy and can handle. Knowing my limits has made a big difference. So I focused more on the kids again. This reminded me why I started volunteering in the first place.

Talking to the staff and other volunteers has also been so encouraging. Sharing experiences and celebrating little victories together keeps me motivated. Even simple moments, like a child’s smile or a thank-you from a teacher, make the effort feel worthwhile. Taking care of myself outside of volunteering has been just as important. Spending time with friends, relaxing, or enjoying hobbies helps me recharge. I’ve realized that volunteering isn’t
about giving so much that you have nothing left. It’s about doing what you can while looking after yourself. Eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep all help. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to step back and take a break.

Burnout doesn’t have to take over your volunteer experience. By noticing the signs, setting limits, and leaning on your community, you can keep the spark alive. In just a few months, volunteering has taught me so much about patience, joy, and balance.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of burnout, know that you’re not alone. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember: you’re making a difference, and that’s something to be proud of.

Links I worked with:

"Burnout Among Volunteers and Social Workers," LearnDoGrow.
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"How to Recognize and Avoid Volunteer Burnout," VolunteerMatch.
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"Combatting Volunteer Burnout Effectively," Neurolaunch.
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"How to Address Volunteer Burnout," HogoNext.
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"Recognize and Avoid Volunteer Burnout," Giving Compass.
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Text a fotka: Lucia Bereta

Lucia je dobrovoľníčkou programu Európskej komisie Európsky zbor solidarity na dobrovoľníckom projekte v detskom centre Hlavička pod koordináciou Bratislavského dobrovoľníckeho centra. Projekt bol podporený z programu Európsky zbor solidarity.