A New Year’s Resolution with Extra Benefits: Help Yourself by Helping Others

January is time for a fresh start. It's a new year and you're probably loaded with resolve to do as well as possible in 2018. Did you know that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to help others? Finding a cause and community really does bring its own benefits, including:

• Decreasing symptoms of depression. Some 40 studies show that volunteering can decrease depression symptoms, and one survey of more than 3,000 volunteers showed that 94 percent of them reported an improved mood.
• Making social connections improves physical health and psychological well-being. Social connection strengthens our immune systems; helps us recover from disease faster; and may even lengthen life. Conversely, studies have shown that a lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.

But where to start?

You can begin by recognizing that you don't need a particular skill set to become a volunteer. Rather, think about what causes you care most about and who you would feel most happy to support. Look online for organizations in your community that match your interests and then pick up the phone and call, or send an email to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Many nonprofit organizations need various types of help.

If you live outside of Lincoln go to https://www.volunteermatch.org.

If you think your mental health needs more than the benefits of volunteering, take our confidential mental health screening.