We get up, we go to work in order to earn a paycheck, we go home, we do chores or take care of our families or whatever we need to do, then we get up and we do it again. The last thing we want to do is to give more of our time to someone else for some other reason right? Or is it?
I started volunteering about a month or so ago. I mean, I’ve volunteered over the years for various things, but this is a regular weekly commitment that I’ve now made. I choose one day a week (occasionally two) where I go to a local animal sanctuary and I help out. Some days it’s doing crafts that can be sold at different fairs and festivals, sometimes it’s helping to prep food for a big event but most of the time, it’s mucking out stalls and sweeping barns.
Why do I do this? I already work full time, I have a household, a family, and a busy schedule. I started volunteering when I realized that it could be a form of self-care. I wanted a way to give back to my community, but I wanted it to be way different than what I do for a living. I chose animals. These beautiful critters have been mistreated in their previous homes and came here to live their lives in peace and happiness, and I love it.
How is Volunteering Self-Care?
Sense of Community- The very first thing I noticed about the benefits of volunteering was the sense of community. Everyone there is there for the same reason and they all want you to succeed at whatever task you’re performing.
Sense of Acceptance- Like I said, because everyone is there for the same purpose, they’re glad you came to help out too, it’s like meeting a group of people where there is no feeling of concern that they don’t like you or anything along those lines. The place I volunteer immediately made me feel like I was one of the crew!
You feel Useful in a Meaningful way- I went to volunteer at this sanctuary, assuming I was going to spend most of my time shoveling poop….I was wrong. I do of course do that as well, however; I also have had the opportunity to use my sewing skills, my problem solving skills and my cooking skills. I never expected any of that!
Learning New Skills- Every new volunteer opportunity is ripe with the opportunities to learn and build new skill sets depending on what you’re doing. Basically if you go into it wanting to learn, you will most certainly learn something.
Something to Look Forward to- If you’re having a busy or stressful week and you just want a break from the usual, volunteering gives you that break and if you volunteer doing something you enjoy, then you will look forward to going and getting out of your normal headspace.
The Chance to give back- It almost always feels good to help and to give back. When you volunteer you have the opportunity to donate your time, energy and skills to a cause of your choosing, which can be very rewarding in and of itself.
Whatever your specific reasons for volunteering are, it’s definitely worth it. If you choose a cause or organization that is important to you, and you decide to share your time with them, you too will get to experience all of the above. There is nothing quite like volunteering to help with something you feel strongly about to make you feel fulfilled and give you a sense of pride in the work that you’ve done.
So take a look around your community, decide if you want to commit to once a month, once a week or just for events and see if there is anywhere that you’d like to spend some of your extra time. I really don’t think you’ll regret it!
XO Sabrina
