
COVID-19
has shaken our world, leaving thousands struggling with anxiety and stress. On
a smaller scale, I know what those emotions feel like. Growing up with a
disability, I encountered a lot of anxiety: Will I ever live independently? What
will my employment options look like? These fears nearly overwhelmed
me.
Fortunately, I discovered a way to lessen the anxiety swirling
in my head. In my family, helping others was a priority. My mom regularly cooked
dinner for a neighbor recovering from surgery. On any given week, we were collecting
cans for yet another food drive. I thought the only beneficiary was the recipient.
Then I started
implementing my own service projects, and I saw an added beneficiary: myself.
In high school, I partnered with local businesses to pack shoeboxes of toys and socks for children. The money from the bake sales I administered helped a family purchase a goat and become self-sufficient. In college, I led a campaign giving 5,000 books to local foster children. Focusing on others was like a balm for my stress—allowing me to both keep perspective on my own life as well as temporarily shelve my own worries.
With COVID-19 wreaking havoc on our health, our jobs, and
our future, many are facing relentless anxiety. But there is hope. Research has
shown us how: volunteering. Most importantly, volunteering helps relieve the anxiety
we are all feeling. Other benefits are combatting depression, keeping us mentally
alert, and giving a sense of purpose.
Here are ways to help right now while helping yourself stay mentally well.
- Pack boxes at a food pantry
- Deliver groceries to an older adult
- Give blood
- Organize a mutual-aid network
- Volunteer virtually
The Corporation
for National and Community Service also offers additional ideas.
How are you helping your community during this time?
The post Giving Back During COVID-19: Finding Solace In Volunteering appeared first on The Arc.