Seeking Better Self-Care? Start Volunteering.

My social media feeds are filled with posts emphasizing “Self-Care” and how best to practice it. I believe that engaging in meaningful volunteer work that aligns with our values is, in many ways, a crucial form of self-care that is often overlooked by the internet community.  

Studies from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine and the Mayo Clinic have found that consistent volunteer work can result in an improved mental and physical state. 

Identifying the ways in which your contribution positively impacts the trajectory of someone else’s journey is immensely rewarding. It inspires feelings of self-esteem along with a greater sense of connection and purpose. Your sense of what community is or can be inevitably begins to expand, leading you to evaluate your role within a large, interconnected system. Feelings of loneliness can begin to dissipate while those of compassion and increased empathy toward others tends to increase. We become less focused on our own preoccupations as we come to understand that everyone around us is also struggling with one thing or another. 

There’s value in branching out of your social circle to interact with others who may have radically different backgrounds or challenges than you do. This contact inspires reflection by challenging preconceived notions and exposing you to the unfamiliar; you are provided with an opportunity to gain insight and perspective on your own story.  

I encourage my clients, many of whom already financially support causes they believe in, to devote a block of time in their schedules to in-person volunteer work. While their financial contributions are important, I know the magic begins when they carve out time to be physically present at a volunteer site. Expanding their awareness about what is transpiring in their community broadens their view of their own identity and assists them in better relating to others, in and out of their inner circle.

I challenge you to take a look at your calendar and determine how much time you can devote to community work on a weekly or monthly basis. Once you have a grasp on how much time you are willing to invest, do some research to find a volunteer program that speaks to you and your values. It may take a couple tries to find one that keeps you engaged and motivated, but, trust me, it’s worth the trouble once you find the right fit. 

I volunteer with CASA, a program that supports children who have experienced abuse and neglect. They likely have a local program in your community — learn more here.