Written by Joe Suppes

Helping Others Helps Yourself

I’m a strong advocate of community service.  I do work with FFA, 4-H, the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and some other smaller, lesser-known groups.  I do it to help others, but also because of the feelings of fulfillment that I get from my work with these groups.  I also feel that the organizations I volunteer with are causes worth supporting.  These merits of community service combine to one major result:  my emotional health.  People who help others are generally happy people.  Research has shown that in many cases, happy people find it easier to stay healthy.

Physical Side-Effects

In addition to promoting your emotional health, there’s physical benefits of being active in your community.  I’ve noticed that when I’m out, working on a volunteer project, I’m hardly ever sitting.  At the end of the day, I’m tired, but it’s the good kind.  Many organizations involve a lot of light labor, like walking and standing for long periods.  Automatically, this is better for you than sitting around!

Plenty of Options

Some great ideas for involvement in the community can range from youth organizations, to fundraisers, to getting involved in your city or town’s government.  Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers, as well as homeless shelters, food pantries, religious youth groups, and city beautification projects, to name a few.  In other words, the demand for volunteers is massive.

Find the One That Fits You

Look into not-for-profit organizations in your area.  There’s a charitable or educational organization to fit anyone’s needs.  What’s more, these groups are always in need of help.  Consider it.  You won’t just be helping others, you’ll be helping yourself.If you want to do something good for your heart, do something that’s good for your soul.

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