One of the best ways to relieve yourself from the stresses in life is by giving to others. When you help others it takes the focus off of you and your problems and shifts the focus to the needs of others. Helping others brings about change in the community and a peace to you and someone in need. Below are 10 ways to volunteer and give the gift of yourself to others:
1.Walkathons-
Walkathons are charity walks. The only thing required is desire, determination and some good walking shoes. To participate contact the charity of your choice who is hosting the walk to register. Once you register you will be asked to get sponsors to donate money on behalf of you walking. Sponsors can be anyone- your family members, co-workers, church members, local businesses etc. Donations can be anywhere from $1.00 to as much as your sponsor is willing to donate.
2.Local Nursing Home-
Many residents of nursing homes don't have anyone to visit them and would love a visit from a warm and friendly person. It would only require an hour or two of your time a week and it would really make a difference to an elderly resident who does not have family or someone to look after them. Check with you local nursing home to find out how to volunteer at their center.
3.Boys and Girls Club-
Many of the youth today are in need of activities to keep them out of trouble and someone to guide them so that they stay grounded and out of harms way. Your local boys and girls club does just that by providing sports and fun activities for children in the area. The club is always in need of responsible, patient adults who are willing to help. Check your local yellow pages to find the center near you and give them a call to find out how to volunteer.
4.Local Church Ministries-
The church is a place where people can go to find help in a variety of areas. Put your spiritual gifts to good use at your local church by joining a church ministry. There are many areas that you can be of help in- youth ministry, usher board ministry, missions ministry, prison ministry, music ministry, just to name a few. Check with your local church to see where you can be of the most help.
5.Local Food Bank-
This is a wonderful charity where you can help those in your community get the food they need. All it takes is a phone call to your local food bank to get started.
6.Homeless Shelter-
Help those who need shelter to get the food and shelter they need. Think of the difference you will make to those in your community by devoting a couple of hours a week of your time to this charity.
7.Girls and Boy Scouts of America-
What a fun charity. Responsible and patient volunteers are always appreciated. It requires only a few hours of your time a week meeting with the children. You would play games, participate in badge earning activities, go on local outings and more. Check with your local Boys Scouts or Girls Scouts office to find out about the volunteer opportunities in your area.
8.Domestic Violence Centers-
There is a great need in our country to protect those suffering from physical abuse. Volunteer opportunities are available in the shelters and to answer domestic violence hotlines. Contact your local shelter today to find out how you can help.
9.Rape Crisis Center-
Rape is a serious crime and rape victims need all the help and support that they can get to recover from this form of abuse. Volunteers are needed to work in local crisis centers and on crisis hotlines. There may be special training that is needed for this type of charity due to the circumstances of the service. Check with your local rape crisis center to find out how you can help.
10.Pet Shelters-
Pets need love too! There are many pet shelters that are in need of volunteers to care for sick and homeless pets and to help them to find good homes. If you love pets and enjoy working with them this is a great charity for you.
The opportunities to volunteer in your community are endless. Still not sure where you can volunteer? Visit www.volunteermatch.org to match your skills with one of the many charities in your area. Giving of yourself to others in such a positive way is one of the bests gifts you can give to yourself and others.
About the Author
Erica Brooks is Owner of Stress Away Family Shop which includes Stress Away Bath Shop and Stress Away Bridal Shop. She specializes in offering products, tips and resources to help you to combat the everyday stresses of life. You can reach her at http://www.stressawayfamilyshop.com and http://www.stressawayfamilyshop.com or via e-mail at http://www.stressawayfamilyshop.com
disinfecting cleaning services Arlington Heights ..For those who are suffering from stress, just about the... Read More
1. The Law of GiftsRichard Bach, author of "Illusions" says... Read More
A friend has this quotation on his office wall: "I... Read More
But how can this happen to someone?Let's concentrate on how... Read More
Stress, America's #1 health problem, is a leading cause of... Read More
One of the best ways to combat stress and depression... Read More
Q. I've suffered a few setbacks and disappointments in the... Read More
This anger management Practice draws on the dual wisdom of... Read More
Seventy-five percent of all our problems ? both emotional and... Read More
Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one... Read More
I recently received this e-mail message about stress management (author... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More
The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997,... Read More
Do you worry all the time?Do the following symptoms bother... Read More
Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More
What good is Personal or Business Success...if your Health is... Read More
Q: What is Stress?A: Very basically it is the physical,... Read More
Every woman needs her own personal space for relaxation, not... Read More
Are you feeling stressed out? Too many things to do,... Read More
My first real job (schedule, time clock, paycheck, boss) was... Read More
This heading may seem like a contradiction in terms. How... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
Stress is more than just unpleasant. It's dangerous. Try these... Read More
Stress relief and managementRecognizing stress symptoms can be a positive... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Mundelein .."Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
Did you know that more than half of our adult... Read More
There are times in every person's life when things do... Read More
When I pay attention, I clearly see the arresting ways... Read More
Stressed? Relax Right Now with 5 Super-Simple Stress-BustersStressed-out? Don't know... Read More
I'm sure you have heard of IBS, irritable bowel syndrome,... Read More
The best way to reduce your stress is to really... Read More
Q. I've been told that I need to learn from... Read More
There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More
Meditation seems to have arrived in the mainstream of late,... Read More
I hope by reading this article you will see the... Read More
What do you think of when you see that word?... Read More
"I've got too much to do, I've just got too... Read More
Did you ever feel like your "get-up-and-go" got up and... Read More
Every woman needs her own personal space for relaxation, not... Read More
Syndicated columnist Dale Dauten recently wrote, "One of life's great... Read More
26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of... Read More
If you are an anxiety and panic sufferer, then you've... Read More
This is a tool to measure the amount of stress... Read More
STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT: Stress is either the source or... Read More
We all know what it's like coming home from a... Read More
There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More
The day wasn't going well already. You know how it... Read More
Stress is more than just unpleasant. It's dangerous. Try these... Read More
Do you feel that you just don't have the time... Read More
Stress Management |