Posts Tagged ‘research’
Want to Improve Your Mental Health? Volunteer!
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!
Want a boost? Read a book!
It’s probably no surprise that reading is generally good for you. But what about reading fiction?
This article doesn’t go into the research in depth, but it does contain some surprising research facts about the benefits of reading, including comparing reading fiction to reading non-fiction. (Hint: fiction has benefits!)
Read the news article to encourage yourself to read more books!
A Link Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Sugar?
As you begin working on your goals for the new year, consider making healthy changes to your diet. For many people in America, reducing sugar and simple carbohydrates is a good idea. Here’s another reason why. Studies suggest there may be a link between Alzheimer’s disease and the way our bodies process sugar and simple carbohydrates. For some motivation to eat healthier, take a look at this article:
If you are serious about changing your diet, consider these helpful tips:
1. Instead of trying to cut something completely out of your diet, replace undesired components with desired ones. For example, instead of avoiding pasta, try eating “pasta” sliced from fresh vegetables, like curls of squash.
2. Experiment with “paleo” recipes to substitute good fats for carbs.
3. Make small changes that you can continue for the long term. Attempts to make radical changes to your diet are more likely to only last a short time.
Happy new year! I hope the changes you make help you feel your personal best!
What Makes Psychotherapy Work?
Choosing the right therapist can be a difficult and daunting task. After looking at a therapist’s qualifications, certifications, and degree, to some extent, your selection of a therapist is about finding the right fit because everyone is unique. A therapist who is right for someone else may not be right for you and vice versa. But how can you tell which therapist will be the right fit for you? Read more