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
efficient cleaning crew Lake Forest ..No need to go spend money at a spa! There... Read More
Tough leaders are usually seen as ogres. Their exacting demands... Read More
Q. I wonder if you could help me with a... Read More
Workers across America will tell you that stresslevels are increasing.... Read More
Every day we are faced with a situation where our... Read More
Learning methods of stress elimination is a vital skill in... Read More
Statistics tell us that more people have migraine headaches on... Read More
A friend has this quotation on his office wall: "I... Read More
Life would be so wonderful if it weren't for other... Read More
What would you say if I told you I know... Read More
The number one most popular issue that users of a... Read More
Preparing for sleep the night before is the place to... Read More
Do you attack problems and solve them or do you... Read More
Stress management is a hot topic; stress-related illness and suffering... Read More
Do you have the desire for a stress free life?... Read More
For those who are suffering from stress, just about the... Read More
Did you know that more than half of our adult... Read More
We've all been there, right? We find ourselves living with... Read More
Have you ever considered sewing a handbag as an act... Read More
As small business owners, we often take on more than... Read More
Adversity is an unavoidable part of life. Death of a... Read More
Genuine enthusiasm...real feeling of accomplishment...sense of satisfaction and fun. Welcome... Read More
Did you ever feel like your "get-up-and-go" got up and... Read More
Let's take a look at some of the more serious... Read More
CHICAGO - According to a recent article in the September... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..If you have recently lost health insurance coverage through your... Read More
"The great lesson from the true mystics, from the Zen... Read More
We've all been there, right? We find ourselves living with... Read More
I learned a valuable lesson recently. A short while ago,... Read More
Have you been feeling so stressful and almost losing your... Read More
As small business owners, we often take on more than... Read More
Most people find it easy to identify the sources of... Read More
Many people recognise the warning signs that stress may be... Read More
Stress Vs PressureStress is something we all have, it's not... Read More
Have you ever listened to someone, perhaps even to your... Read More
Self-Care Strategies:Substantial breakfast daily Regular sleeping habits (minimum of 7... Read More
Statistics tell us that more people have migraine headaches on... Read More
More than two-thirds of visits to doctors' surgeries are for... Read More
* Play Romane's stress control seminar recordings, and read "The... Read More
Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out,"... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
Do you get out of your car with a queasy... Read More
I have yet to see a scientist talk about the... Read More
On a beautiful summer day years ago, I went water... Read More
Perhaps you've heard of the 80/20 rule, but don't know... Read More
If you find symptoms of anxiety disorder in any of... Read More
Meditation, relaxation and visualisation are the standard recommendations for reducing... Read More
Stress is the nastiest 4 letter word you ever met.... Read More
Amazing thing, overwhelm!You don't usually see it coming. It just... Read More
Make stress less of an issue for you in your... Read More
Stress Management |