Getting Happy by Giving Back
Feeling down and need a pick-me-up? Volunteering not only helps you feel good, but people who volunteer have lower rates of heart disease and live longer than those who don't volunteer, according to a recent report in the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource newsletter. Volunteering can boost mental health, too. It's a great way to stay connected socially—and those social connections can help buffer stress and get a person through hard times. Volunteering also can help provide a sense of purpose. To realize the health benefits of volunteering, you’ll need a commitment of 40 to 100 hours a year, studies have shown. That equates to a couple of hours a week. To get started:
- Determine your interests. Think about what's enjoyable and what makes you happy. Or focus on an issue you care deeply about. Consider skills you've developed over the years and can share or skills you'd like to learn.
- Find organizations and opportunities. Do online research, check community bulletin boards or visit the local library. Kansas City has many worthwhile opportunities: hospitals, schools, libraries, food banks, religious organizations, parks, environmental programs, youth groups, humane societies, historic sites and arts organizations. You might even consider reaching beyond the metro area to participate in a volunteer vacation in another state or abroad.
- Decide how much time you can offer. Opportunities range from getting involved in short-term events such as fundraising walks or bicycle rides to longer-term, ongoing activities such as tutoring.
- Make your move. Phone or visit the organization you're interested in to determine whether the mutual fit is a good one. If it's not, keep looking. Many organizations would welcome the skills and wisdom you can share.
Commit Random Acts of Kindness
If at this stage of life you don’t have time to commit to a weekly volunteer project, then think about committing a random act of kindness! One good deed each day can help up the happiness factor in your daily life. And it’s easy to include the kids. Challenge family members to do a random act each day and then discuss your results over dinner. Not only will you make someone else happy, you’ll make yourself happier as well.
Need some inspiration? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Buy a flower and leave it on a friend’s doorstep.
- While running errands, give a stranger a compliment.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Write a letter to a friend letting her know how special she is to you.
- Bake cookies and bring to the local police or fire station.
- Send a text wishing someone a good day.
- Bring in a neighbor’s trash cans.
- Complete a household chore without being asked.