Volunteer: It’s Good for Your Health
Now that summer has arrived in Kansas City, moms around town can start a new season in their lives: volunteering. Although mothers often feel like they have nothing left to give, you may be surprised to learn how much you may gain from giving of your time and talents.
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. Women tend to be more adept at maintaining social ties, and volunteer activities can further strengthen a woman's social network. Also, volunteering can help provide a sense of purpose — something all of us can use during these uncertain times.
To realize the health benefits of volunteering, a commitment of 40 to 100 hours a year is needed, 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 that 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 if the mutual fit is a good one. If it's not, keep looking. Many organizations would welcome the skills and wisdom you can share.