Want to Improve Your Mental Health? Volunteer!
Thursday, June 6, 2019 @ 07:06 PM posted by Dr. Siders
Does volunteering sound stressful? Think again! There are so many reasons why volunteering can help improve a person’s mental health. For starters, just getting out of the house can boost your mood. So can hanging out with other people, especially when you’re making lasting social connections. Volunteering also gets your mind on something else besides your problems and anxiety.
For more information about the possible benefits of volunteering, check out this article:
At a loss for where to volunteer? Here are some ideas!
- Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, such as the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce.
- Check Web sites that match volunteers with opportunities, such as VolunteerMatch.org (note: these Web sites may gather personal information like your e-mail address, so please be cautious.)
- Google it! Use Google to search for volunteer opportunities in your area or regarding topics you’re interested in. For example, if you like horses, try Googling “horse volunteer MyCity.”
- You may even find entire lists of volunteer opportunities like Teen Life’s list of community volunteer opportunities.
- Or AARP’s list of community volunteer opportunities.
- You can also search Yelp listings for your area.
- Check Web sites of your favorite organizations for volunteer opportunities. Think about those that you admire or donate to. What causes are important to you?
- Look for upcoming events in your city. Many events rely on volunteers, including concerts, street fairs, and school events.
- Ask around. Check with friends and in online forums for places they like to volunteer and for suggestions suited to you. Are you part of a Facebook, Google, or Yahoo group? Your fellow group mates may be able to help.
- Check with your church, synagogue, mosque, guild, or other community organization.
Where do you like to volunteer? How does volunteering improve your mental health? Feel free to comment below!