Volunteering Can Be a Form of Self-Care, Too

You know we’re all about making self-care a priority, but a powerful form of self-care can also be when we give of ourselves to others. Spending time with others, focusing on the needs of those outside our immediate family, and supporting causes that benefit the community can help us gain new perspectives on life while doing something positive that matters. 
 
Volunteering can provide us with fun and challenging opportunities, as well as a change of pace from our daily responsibilities. Giving of ourselves can also benefit our well-being by:

• Counteracting the effects of stress, anxiety, and anger

• Combatting depression by reducing social isolation

• Enabling us to make new friends and practice social skills

• Increasing self-confidence by providing a sense of accomplishment

• Helping us stay physically healthy by being active and social

• Teaching us new skills and providing new experiences

• Adding meaning and purpose to our lives by helping others

It’s easy to find volunteer opportunities if you know where to look. First, decide what brings you joy. Do you want to improve your neighborhood? Do you want to help people or animals? Do you want to try something that might become a career? Do you want to try something you’ve never done? Do you want to work alone or with others?

Once you’ve answered these questions, then you can research agencies in your area that match your interests, and you can contact them to volunteer. There are plenty of opportunities to help at animal rescue facilities, hospitals, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, nature centers, community centers, parks, senior centers, libraries – the list is endless. 
 
Of course, there are many opportunities for you to volunteer right here at Courage to Caregivers:

• Our Board consists of community volunteers with varied backgrounds and leadership competencies who set our strategic direction.

• Our Board Committees provide much of the operational direction for the organization. They include Community Outreach, Development, Finance, Governance, Program, and Strategic Planning. 

• Our Program Volunteers include weekly peer support group leaders who co-facilitate our support groups and ongoing peer support volunteers who provide essential one-to-one support for caregivers.

• Our Event Volunteers help spread the word about Courage to Caregivers at community outreach events.

If you’d like to volunteer for any of these, we’d love to hear from you - feel free to reach out by email or give me a call.