We have all just been through a fairly divisive election, and now the holidays are upon us. What better way to celebrate the holidays than by giving and sharing with someone else? So here is a challenge for everyone; find at least one way you can positively affect the life of another person, then act on it.
There are so many ways this can be done. So, let’s look at possible New Year’s resolutions we can all consider.
Volunteer; and do so in a way where you have direct person-to-person interactions, ideally with someone in need, but at the least with other volunteers. Research has demonstrated the benefits of volunteering include:Improved health: volunteering decreases overall mortality. It strengthens the immune system, increases energy, lowers the incidence of heart disease and improves cognition and functionality. In addition, volunteers report an overall improved quality of life. Staying active: volunteering can get you out of the house, walking more and doing new activities. Connecting with others: volunteering is often a social activity, interacting and making friends with other volunteers and the people being helped. Improving self-esteem: volunteering can increase self-confidence, help combat depression and make you happy. Learning: volunteering can help people learn new skills, both business and life skills. Helping others: the positive effects of feeling good about yourself and the things you do cannot be over stated.
Volunteer possibilities include museums, senior centers, libraries, service organizations, youth organizations, places of worship, charities, schools and many others; go to volunteer.gov or nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community for ideas.
Include your kids; as soon as a child is old enough to understand the concept of getting presents they are old enough to be exposed to the concept of giving. Many parents take their kids to pick out a gift for the other parent, a sibling or another relative; “this is from me, mommy” is always accompanied by a heart-warming smile. Why not extend this to the joy of charitable giving? In this way you will not only be doing something wonderful today, you will be helping raise the next generation of thoughtful, giving people.
As your children get older, encourage them to get involved with charitable activities of organized groups, be it scouting, your place of worship, school or some other group. Support these efforts, whether that means driving them somewhere, going with them to the park cleanup, collecting food donations or helping sell holiday candy. Helping is the key. Spend time with them as you walk door to door to your neighbors to sell candy and let your child do the talking. Taking the candy to work to sell is fine, but it does not replace the time you spend with your child visiting neighbors and friends!
As they reach their teens kids can volunteer at an appropriate place such as the local animal shelter, nursing home, hospital, school, place of worship or some other charity. Be sure they are appropriately supervised and are safe. Volunteer with them if that is possible and it will not detract from their experience.
Charitable giving: this is another way for people to feel good about helping others, especially if they do not have availability or opportunity to volunteer. About three quarters of all charitable giving is from individuals just like you and me. Try to make it personal. Maybe identify a family in need in your town, and speak with them to see what you can do to help. If you donate money, allow your child to give as well; no charity will mind a donation of one thousand dollars and thirty-two cents. They may not understand the 32 cents, but your child will.
Both volunteering and charitable giving are great family activities, so consider starting these as traditions throughout the year. Look at ways you can give, whether it is time, money, or anything else (one activity I donate my time to is writing this column). Now is a great time to add this to your “normal routine” and to teach your children the joys of giving and community involvement.
Jeff Hersh, Ph.D., M.D., can be reached at DrHersh@juno.com