Many people consider the month of January as a time to reset.  New year challenges abound on social media and wherever else you consume information, from challenges to improve daily habits, to exercise, to diet, to time tracking, to the number of books you will read! I have been tempted to sign up for a few of these challenges myself, even though keeping up with all of these challenges poses its own challenge!

A different mindset for the new year

But then I got to thinking, that instead of trying to work only on MY self and MY habits, perhaps a better (and less overwhelming) approach would be to think outside of ME and focus more on what I can do for others. Interestingly, as soon as that thought came to me, I already felt more relaxed.

To “volunteer”

Volunteer:  to offer (oneself or one’s services) for some undertaking or purpose

Dictionary.com

Volunteering benefits you

It turns out that volunteering has benefits not just for the health and welfare of the community, but for the volunteer as well. And the personal benefits increase the older you get.   Research at the Mayo Clinic shows that volunteering offers significant health benefits, including: 

• improving physical and mental health
• providing for a sense of purpose
• learning new skills 
• getting social interaction: enhancing old relationships and making new friendships

Take the plunge and volunteer this leap year

So, what’s stopping you from taking the leap and volunteering?  

If you’ve been thinking about it but haven’t taken the plunge, this is the year to start. With 2024 being a leap year, it’s a great year to begin!  

Find a place to volunteer with a little research

Many people get stuck at  “where should I volunteer?” If you have a passion for a cause or have a group that is close to your heart, such as children, seniors or those that have been affected by domestic violence or homelessness, that’s a wonderful place to start your search. Your local food bank will also have opportunities. Maybe you’re concerned with environmental issues and can find a like-minded nonprofit who could use your help?

Check neighborhood groups on social media, city websites, or ask your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues where they volunteer. You might be surprised to learn of a unique opportunity near you, and learn something new about them as well. 

Volunteer with Charities2Love

If you’re in the Dallas Fort Worth area and looking for fun and meaningful volunteer opportunities, Charities2Love would love to have you join us!  It is an initiative started in 2023 to give people opportunities to  volunteer together and bring awareness to nonprofits and causes. Our group volunteers regularly for different causes throughout the metroplex, offering opportunities that people of all ages can participate in. We feel that bringing visibility to the nonprofit and cause is as important as the volunteering itself.  We have collectively logged 500 volunteer hours since we began!

Our volunteer events provide the best of both worlds: opportunities for service with others and opportunities to learn about the nonprofit and cause they are serving. Our volunteers have said they appreciate the learning component as much as the service component at our volunteering events!

Keep voluntering simple

While it might seem time-consuming or another “to-do” on your list, it does not have to be that way.  Volunteering doesn’t mean a long-term commitment or taking a huge amount of time out of your busy day. And it’s definitely better than signing up for another new year’s challenge! 

Giving back in even simple ways helps those in need and contributes to improving the community you live in.  All while providing benefits to your own health and happiness.  What an intentional, kind and thoughtful way to start the year!