Volunteering
Can volunteering really help with everyday stress? Many current and former volunteers will say “Absolutely!” By giving the gift of your talents and time, you elevate your spirits, helping you to better cope with stress in your life.
Research has shown that volunteering offers many benefits, including building your sense of self, strengthening the immune system, and boosting self-esteem and self-confidence. Volunteering also allows you to meet new people, increasing your social network and circle of support. By volunteering, you are provided with opportunities to practice and develop your social skills by meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests.
But where do you start? You may want to ask yourself some of the following questions.
- How much time can I realistically devote based on my personal schedule?
- Should I volunteer individually or with my family?
- Would I like to work with people or would I rather work in solitude?
- Am I better behind the scenes or would I like a more visible role?
- What skills can I bring?
- What causes are important to me/my family?
Choose an organization or cause that interests you or that you are passionate about. You may choose to volunteer at a nursing home, animal shelter, art gallery or museum, library, hospital, soup kitchen or food bank, or your local airport. You may choose to use Volunteer Match, http://www.volunteermatch.org/, to help you find the right opportunity in your community. Visit different organizations to get a feel for what they are like and to get a sense of the work you’ll be doing when you volunteer. Ask questions to make sure you know what is expected and that the opportunity is right for your skills, goals, and time you want to spend. The more satisfaction you have as a volunteer, the more likely you are to continue and make a difference. Do what you can and most importantly, have fun.
The saying “It’s better to give than to receive” is never more true than when it comes to volunteering. Not only will you brighten your own little corner of the world, but you will make a difference in someone else’s life and in your community.
-from High Reach Learning
