HEALTH & WELLNESS
Improve Your Mental
Health by Giving Back
S
tudies on health and volunteering reveal that people
who volunteer report feeling emotionally, mentally and
physically better. In fact, volunteering has been linked to
lower stress levels, lower levels of depression, and longevity.
There are several simple and easy ways to get involved
in your community, and make a difference for others - and for yourself.
Volunteering. Nonprofit organizations rely on the support of loyal
donors and volunteers to deliver on their missions to improve the
communities they serve. Time and talent are among the most valuable
gifts you can give a deserving cause. One of the greatest benefits of
volunteering is the chance to put your energy and abilities to use for
a cause you care about - whether it’s feeding the hungry, rescuing
animals or some other cause that is close to your heart. Volunteering
provides a feel-good way to pursue your personal interests.
Giving blood. According to the American Red Cross, someone in
the U.S. needs blood every 2 seconds. There is an ongoing need to
replenish a community’s blood supplies, whether for medical uses or
in the aftermath of a tragedy. Giving blood is fast, relatively painless,
and can save lives.
Donating. Money doesn’t make the world go 'round, or so the saying
goes. However, it can make a difference when it comes to bettering
the community. Nonprofit and community organizations rely on
monetary contributions, not only to fulfill their existing program
needs, but also to expand those services to impact more people.
Rather than a single, one-time gift, consider setting up an ongoing
donation so your impact continues over time. For small or rural
nonprofits in particular, a little bit goes a long way. Another touching
way to donate funds: Give in honor of a loved one, either as a gift for a
special occasion or in memoriam.
Another way to help your community thrive is by exploring avenues
to create new funding opportunities for nonprofits. For example, the
America’s Farmers Grow Communities program (growcommunities.
com) provides farmers an opportunity to help a nonprofit of their
choice. Since 2010, the program has given more than $26 million to
nonprofits, including food banks, emergency response organizations,
youth agriculture programs and more.
Paying it forward. Not every step you take in support of your
community has to be a large one. In fact, the ripple effect of a series of
smaller deeds can have a truly momentous impact. You can set the feel-
good wheels in motion in your own community by simply thinking
about a time when someone generously gave their own resources
to benefit you and paying forward that kindness with a matching
endeavor. You might let a frenzied mom go ahead of you in line at the
grocery store, or pay for a meal for the elderly couple behind you at
the drive-through. Small gestures spread a feel-good spirit that can
encourage others to do their part to make the community a better
place, as well.
These are just a few ways that you can give back. Get out and meet
with your friends and neighbors in your community to discover how
you can best use your time and talents to hel p the greater good.
Source: America’s Farmer’s Community Outreach Programs
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GAZELLE STL