Volunteerism

By Funda Sinani

This week our challenge is moving from physical and nutritional awareness to social and mental assessments. Moving along on our Wellness wheel, we start to evaluate our commitment to giving back and volunteering. As with other challenges, our busy schedules might be an excuse to avoid these opportunities. At our support group, we will be discussing in detail the contributions of philanthropic involvement to our well being. Below are a few facts about the benefits of volunteering.  It could be as big as being an advocate for a community improvement project to simply offering a cup of coffee and your time for a neighbor…

Volunteering is directly linked to improved health and well being.  It increases confidence and self-esteem, improves your social support, and allows you to feel included in community life. Giving back helps individuals add more value to their overall presence, and it creates a sense of life purpose.

Giving without compensation has intrinsic rewards, too -  it promotes community spirit, provides evidence of people`s kindness to others, increases feelings of self-worth, offers opportunities to demonstrate your unique skill set, and it improves your overall physical health.

By volunteering, you role model this behavior for your children and your family will therefore benefit by following in your footsteps. Studies show that college students who have committed themselves regularly to volunteering, receive not only benefits to their well being, but they experience these benefits for the many years following the act of kindness.  Never underestimate the value of the ripple effect!

Let`s log in your points for finding time for kindness in your life, for your health…

Further Reading/References:

Black, W., & Living, R. (2004). Volunteerism as an occupation and its relationship to
health and well being. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(12), 526-532.

Sax, L. J., Astin, A. W., & Avalos, J. (1999). Long-term effects of volunteerism during
the undergraduate years. The Review of Higher Education, 22(2), 187-202.

Snyder, M., & Omoto, A. M. (2009). Who gets involved and why? The psychology of volunteerism.
University of Hong Kong.

Farmers' Market to Open April 20th in the Library Parking Lot!

Over 20 vendors are expected Saturday from 8am to 1pm at the Wellness Connection Farmers' Market debut. You will be able to find:
*Martin's wonderful section of prime meats
*Betty's Chips & Salsa
*Fresh Produce & Fruit
And much more. The Gum Spring Library is located at 24600 Millstream Dr., Stone Ridge, VA.
Hope to see you there!