Summer of Self-Care: Volunteer Activities

When most people think of summer, they think about the leisure time they will have on vacations or lounging by the pool. While these are great activities to help with mental health, research also shows that doing volunteer work is a great protective factor for mental health concerns. I also feel like volunteering is a great way to teach children to think about others. Most places who have volunteers have great training programs for their volunteers and it’s a great way to connect with others in your community.

I personally struggled with depression over 20 years ago. And as I started coming out of it, I realized that it made me selfish in the sense that I was filtering every decision through my depression filter. As a mental health counselor, I realize that it is necessary for us to be selfish in order to take care of ourselves, especially when we’re having a mental health event. But it also leads us to be so self-absorbed. We forget that other people have needs too. One of the ways I was able to work through my depression was thinking of how I could care for others, even though I wasn’t doing great myself. So, I made a commitment that I would do something kind for someone else every day until I started feeling better. Looking back, I know this is one of the many things I did that helped me start to feel better. To learn more about how depression effects the brain, check out blog here.

Benefits of Volunteering

Improved Mental Health

Volunteering has been linked to lower rates of depression and increased overall well-being. Engaging in activities that benefit others can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to reduced stress and anxiety levels.

Improved Physical Health

Studies suggest that volunteers tend to have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of chronic diseases compared to non-volunteers. Engaging in volunteer work often involves physical activity and social interaction, which can contribute to better physical health.

Increased Social Connections

Volunteering provides opportunities to meet new people and develop meaningful relationships. It can expand social networks, create a sense of belonging, and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Skill Development

Volunteering offers opportunities to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. Whether it’s communication, leadership, problem-solving, or teamwork, volunteers often acquire valuable skills that can be beneficial in both personal and professional contexts.

Career Benefits

Volunteering can provide valuable experience and enhance a person’s resume. It demonstrates commitment, initiative, and a willingness to contribute to the community, which can be attractive to employers. Volunteering may also provide networking opportunities and lead to job referrals.

Increased Happiness

Giving back to others and making a positive impact on the community can lead to greater feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. The act of volunteering can evoke feelings of gratitude, empathy, and compassion, contributing to overall happiness levels.

Stress Reduction

Engaging in volunteer activities can distract individuals from their own worries and problems, leading to a reduction in stress levels. Focusing on helping others can provide a sense of perspective and purpose, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

Community Building

Volunteering strengthens communities by fostering connections between individuals and organizations. It promotes civic engagement, social cohesion, and a sense of collective responsibility for addressing community needs.

Volunteer Programs

If you’re not sure where to start for volunteering opportunities,  look for the following types of programs in your neighborhood:

Mentoring Programs

Community Gardening

Senior Care Centers

Animal Shelters

Environmental Clean-up Crews

Literacy Programs

Homeless Shelters

Food Pantries

Summer Camps (not just camp counselors but clean-up crew, maintenance or food prep are all good options to help camp run smoothly)

Virtual Volunteering (online tutoring, mentoring, helping someone learn English, assisting non-profits with data collection or administrative tasks)

Summary

Regardless of the volunteer activity you choose, remember that your time and effort are invaluable contributions. You will be contributing to the well-being of others and the community as a whole. By dedicating your summer to meaningful volunteer work, you not only make a positive impact but also cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your own life and mental health.