Support yourself by supporting others.
WHAT
Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide, but there’s a valuable and often overlooked tool that can provide significant benefits for those facing these challenges – and that’s donating your time.
WHY
Volunteering can be a powerful tool for improving mental health.
A strong sense of purpose has the potential to positively impact various aspects of our existence, and the many ways in which cultivating a sense of purpose can lead to a more meaningful and enriched life.
Feeling that we’ve got a reason to get out of bed each morning, or that we’ve achieved something useful or important, keeps life moving in a positive direction. It provides us with motivation and a feeling of contentment, which supports our overall wellbeing.
Without a sense of purpose, we undermine our ability and accomplishments; we feel like we aren’t living a meaningful life, we have no goals or ambitions in life.
Volunteering can have a positive impact on an individual’s mental wellbeing, offering a sense of purpose, social connection, and personal growth.
HOW
Consider volunteering for something that’s important to you. What matters most is that you feel connected to a goal, community or cause. It could be helping at an animal shelter, assisting at an event, distributing food at an outreach centre, the possibilities are endless.
There are numerous organisations each dedicated to various causes and initiatives you can consider getting involved with.
I’ve been involved with a community organisation for 14 years. I’ve learnt many skills, met a diverse range of people, and extended myself in ways I never could have imagined. Give it a go today. You never know where it may lead you.
