Episode Summary: "Microdosing Wellness: How Tiny Habits Can Transform Burnout Culture" with Lindsey Fuller (Episode 251)

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 251 of "What the Fundraising", host Mallory Erickson engages in a profound conversation with Lindsey Fuller, Executive Director at The Teaching Well. This episode delves deep into the pervasive issues of burnout and retention within the nonprofit and social sectors, offering actionable insights on integrating wellness into daily routines through the concept of "microdosing wellness."

1. Understanding the Burnout and Retention Crisis in the Nonprofit Sector

Lindsey Fuller opens the discussion by highlighting the severity of the burnout and retention crises plaguing the nonprofit, social sector, and philanthropic foundations. She emphasizes that these challenges are unprecedented, likening it to "the largest staffing crisis in our country's history in schools" and extending similarly to the nonprofit domain.

“We have a retention crisis, and we have a burnout crisis. And so that's what we do.”
— Lindsey Fuller (03:33)

Lindsey underscores the importance of building resilient organizational cultures that prioritize the well-being of individuals to combat these systemic issues.

2. Introducing Microdosing Wellness: Small Habits for Significant Change

The core concept of the episode revolves around "microdosing wellness." Lindsey explains that this approach involves implementing 1% shifts towards greater well-being, balance, and sustainability, seamlessly integrated into the workday.

“It's not waiting until your next vacation or break. It's figuring out the 1% shifts towards greater well being, balance and sustainability.”
— Lindsey Fuller (04:29)

Examples of Micro Wellness Habits:

• Walk and Talk Meetings: Transitioning from Zoom calls to outdoor phone calls.
• Protected Lunch Breaks: Scheduling and respecting dedicated time for meals without work interruptions.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Prioritizing regular water intake and nourishing meals to maintain energy levels.

These small, intentional actions are designed to create a foundation for sustained wellness without overwhelming individuals.

3. The Importance of Consciousness in Daily Routines

Mallory Erickson and Lindsey discuss the necessity of maintaining consciousness throughout the day to effectively implement wellness habits. They highlight how unconscious behaviors can sabotage even the best-intended self-care practices.

“Without consciousness around your day, around how you're moving from thing to thing, you can't find those moments.”
— Mallory Erickson (07:01)

Lindsey agrees, emphasizing that visibility and intentionality are crucial for these micro wellness practices to take root.

“If it's not visibilized, you won't see it, you won't do it.”
— Lindsey Fuller (08:31)

4. Organizational Culture and Accountability

A significant portion of the conversation centers on cultivating an organizational culture that normalizes and encourages wellness. Lindsey advocates for the creation of accountability partnerships within teams to support each other's well-being.

“Being accountability, that is enough to tip the scale in building a new habit.”
— Lindsey Fuller (10:02)

Practical Implementations:

• Accountability Partners: Team members check in with each other, sharing simple actions like taking a daily walk or sending a motivational picture.
• Protected Time Blocks: Explicitly scheduling time for breaks and self-care activities within calendars to ensure they are honored.

This culture of mutual support not only promotes individual well-being but also strengthens the collective resilience of the organization.

5. Balancing Personal Agency with Systemic Challenges

The dialogue transitions to the interplay between individual actions and systemic barriers that perpetuate burnout. Both Mallory and Lindsey emphasize the importance of maintaining hope and agency amidst overwhelming challenges.

“We have to have hope in our own agency. We have to have hope in our ability to control some of our experience.”
— Mallory Erickson (19:12)

Lindsey adds that acknowledging pervasive fatigue and systemic issues is essential while encouraging small, manageable changes at the individual and organizational levels.

“There is pervasive fatigue, like, across the sector. And we work at the interpersonal and systemic levels also.”
— Lindsey Fuller (17:58)

6. The Role of Philanthropy in Sustaining Nonprofits

Addressing the broader ecosystem, the conversation shifts to the role of philanthropy in supporting nonprofits during times of crisis. Lindsey speaks to the necessity of both micro (individual) and macro (community) support systems to ensure the sustainability of organizations.

“There's a macro dose of community support that's needed in this moment.”
— Lindsey Fuller (17:58)

The discussion also touches on the challenges of donor fatigue, especially after significant political fundraising efforts, and explores strategies to make giving more sustainable and meaningful.

“How do we make giving sustainable? And do we help people trust into their generosity when they've been generous and haven't been getting the results they needed?”
— Lindsey Fuller (20:58)

7. Cultivating a Generous Identity and Sustainable Giving

Mallory and Lindsey explore the relationship between identity and philanthropy, emphasizing that donors' identities as generous individuals can drive sustainable giving practices. They propose that showing genuine impact and building trust are critical for maintaining donor engagement.

“Don't tell me what you care about. Show me what you give to. Show me how you find, you know, show up.”
— Mallory Erickson (22:00)

Lindsey agrees, stressing the importance of aligning organizational actions with donor values to foster a deeper, more sustainable connection.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with both host and guest reiterating the importance of integrating small wellness habits into daily routines and organizational practices to combat burnout. They highlight the collective responsibility of leaders and team members to foster environments where well-being is prioritized and supported.

“Here's to more identity exploration with you. I just love being in conversation and dialogue and I'm so grateful for you.”
— Lindsey Fuller (23:32)

Mallory echoes these sentiments, encouraging listeners to adopt the discussed practices and cultivate a culture of wellness within their organizations.

Key Takeaways:

• Microdosing Wellness: Implementing small, intentional habits can significantly impact overall well-being and reduce burnout.
• Conscious Integration: Visibility and intentionality are crucial for embedding wellness practices into daily routines.
• Organizational Culture: Creating a supportive environment with accountability partnerships fosters collective resilience.
• Balancing Agency and Systems: While individual actions matter, addressing systemic barriers is essential for sustainable change.
• Sustainable Philanthropy: Building trust and aligning with donor identities can enhance the sustainability of giving practices.

For additional insights, resources, and to connect with Lindsey Fuller, visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast.