In the world today, everyone is busy. It’s hard to find time to fit all you want to do every day. So much of your day goes to work, kids, errands, and appointments. It is hard to find time for anything else, but it may be time to rethink your priorities. A meaningful addition to your life could be considering to giving back to others or a cause. Have you ever considered volunteering at a shelter, picking up trash in the park or spending time at a local hospital helping out? Maybe you should!
Benefits of giving back:
• It’s a feel-good: There is so much going on in your own personal life. It’s easy to get bogged down with your own problems. Giving back has been shown to improve mental health, specifically, reducing depression and stress.
• It improves gratitude: Sometimes seeing other situations can make you thankful for what you have. Working at a food pantry can make you thankful for the food you have. Folding clothes in a shelter can make you very thankful for your home.
• Improve your community: There are so many areas in your own community that can need work. Giving back can be a gift to you and also your community. Make your street look great by picking up trash or helping plant trees in a local park. These small tasks can improve your own surroundings for everyone to enjoy.
• It’s social: Volunteering can open you up to a whole new social circle. Find new acquaintances and friends at volunteer events. This can be a great way to interact with like-minded, caring individuals. You never know, your new friend may be just around the corner.
• You may learn a new skill: With the variety of volunteer opportunities available, it can be so easy to expand your skill set. Learn to paint, by volunteering to spruce up a city building. Sharpen your gardening skills by volunteering at a local park. Love animals? Learn about caring for them by volunteering at a local pet shelter. The sky is the limit!
Where to start:
If you would like to think volunteering is for you, start planning now!
• Determine your interests and passions. It is important to find a cause you are very interested in. Time can be limited, so find your cause. There are so many both locally and nationally. Volunteers are needed in so many areas ranging from people in need, disease prevention, environment, children, and animals. This list goes on and on. Find your passion.
• Look at your strengths. Are you an organizer? Help organize an event at a school or help plan a national fundraising walk. Are you a social media wiz? Volunteer to run an organization’s social media site. Do you love children? Consider spending time at a local hospital or school.
• Determine your areas for growth. If you would like to gain a new skill, consider an opportunity outside of your skill set. Learn something new by taking a chance.
• Set your limits. Depending on your availability, find times that work for you. It may be a good idea to start small and see how you like it and increase from there.
Enjoy the benefits of helping others and causes you care about. It’s so much fun! You will gain more than you would ever know!
