The Pandemic took many things away from us. How giving to others suddenly became difficult.
Volunteering during the pandemic has taken a necessary halt, but the need doesn’t stop.
For those of us who have had the pleasure of volunteering, we know that the satisfaction we feel is greater than what we are contributing. The personal benefit outweighs the public gain and it keeps us coming back for more. Although people of all ages volunteer, many volunteers are older adults who have a bit more time on their hands.
This one individual speaks about how after a lifetime of stress-related illnesses and lack of self-care while clocking overtime at the office, magically dissipated when he started volunteering. During a physical his physician noted that he was looking happier and healthier than ever. He was doing all the same thing, exercising 90 minutes a day, eating healthy and resting relatively well. So what changed?
“I ruminated over what had changed since my last physical. Sure, I exercise more than 90 minutes daily, but I’ve been doing that for five years. And yes, I watch what I eat, but that’s not new. Like most families with college-age kids, mine has its share of emotional and financial stresses — and there’d been no let-up there.” - KFF
He later realized that he started volunteering more. That’s what made all the difference. With Coronavirus shutting down almost all the aspects of our life, it’s easy to see how the absence of volunteering affects mental, emotional, and physical health. Multiple studies have been conducted about how volunteerism reduces chronic conditions, it improves mental health to the point of people living longer, and having better overall health. “People who are happy and engaged show better physiological functioning,” said Dr. Alan Rozanski, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital, a senior author of the Psychosomatic Medicine study. People who engage in social activities such as volunteering, he said, often showed better blood pressure results and better heart rates. - KFF
Compassion and human connection as well as a sense of purpose will make anyone feel like a thousand bucks, but the scientific facts are there to back it up.
Speaking from personal experience serving in the Peace Corps, volunteerism gives us a connection to humanity that you would not feel otherwise. If you want to find purpose, feel assured that you’re giving to others, or simply want something fun and productive to do, volunteering is the best option.
With the holidays approaching, we can all look for opportunities to volunteer while following Coronavirus mitigation rules. We can contribute money, we can organize food and clothing drives for our communities, we can ask young people to step up and help with high-risk activities. Where there’s a will there’s a way and the last year, we could all use a little love and joy willed into our worlds.
Talk with your loved ones, community organizations, churches, etc. to see how you can help out this holiday season. If you’re still working, your company can organize a food drive or donation drive for a local charity. To get some ideas check out Feeding America, an organization fighting hunger in the United States and saving thousands of families in the United States throughout the Pandemic and beyond. Use the link to find your local food bank and see how you can get involved.
Any other creative volunteer ideas?? Please comment below and share.
Source: https://khn.org/news/volunteering-fountain-of-youth-how-to-help-during-pandemic/