It is well-established that volunteering combats depression and boosts happiness, including this recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies on the matter. Giving to others gets us out of our heads and away from our own inner struggle. Putting our attention on helping others makes us feel less alone or even less bad-off than we realized. And, let's face it, it just feels good to contribute to a larger cause.
So, in honor of Volunteer Week, here are 10 small ways to pay it forward today. Try one and notice how it makes you feel.
1. Pick up a piece of litter.
2. Tip your barista/server/hairdresser a little extra.
3. Open the door for a stranger.
4. Write a letter and send it through snail mail.
5. Give a flower to each of your officemates.
6. Give a bottled water and a snack to a homeless person.
7. Let someone use your frequent shopper card who forgot theirs.
8. Go through your house and fill a bag to donate.
9. Leave encouraging post-it notes in random places.
10. Buy a coupon for a car wash and leave it on someone's window.
So, in honor of Volunteer Week, here are 10 small ways to pay it forward today. Try one and notice how it makes you feel.
1. Pick up a piece of litter.
2. Tip your barista/server/hairdresser a little extra.
3. Open the door for a stranger.
4. Write a letter and send it through snail mail.
5. Give a flower to each of your officemates.
6. Give a bottled water and a snack to a homeless person.
7. Let someone use your frequent shopper card who forgot theirs.
8. Go through your house and fill a bag to donate.
9. Leave encouraging post-it notes in random places.
10. Buy a coupon for a car wash and leave it on someone's window.
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