Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
With the air a bit chillier and the holiday season rapidly approaching, you might find yourself looking for warmth – the kind you get from a good deed, not an overcoat. If that's the case, there's good news. Studies over the course of years show that small acts of service can improve mental health and general wellbeing.
In fact, one study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people with anxiety and depression benefited more from acts of kindness than social activities or cognitive reappraisal.
No matter where you live, you're sure to find those in need this time of year. In fact, with a little creativity, you can find countless ways to serve those around you this season.
Give your time
The most wonderful time of the year is often also the busiest. But taking the time to volunteer can leave an indelible mark on the lives of those less fortunate. Local food banks, shelters and community centers are often in dire need of assistance — especially this time of year.
By serving meals, sorting donations or lending a hand with event organization, you can bring smiles to many faces. If you're skilled in administration, offer your abilities to charities that might need help with paperwork or coordination during their busiest season.
Sites like VolunteerMatch or Just Serve have different volunteer positions and opportunities listed so you can find one that interests you and works with your schedule.
Nurture the neighborhood
Every community is home to people silently struggling with the holiday blues. The elderly, people with disabilities or those who live alone may find the season particularly challenging.
You can make a world of difference by checking in on neighbors who may feel lonely or forgotten. Offer to help them with decorations, invite them over for a cup of hot cocoa or simply give the gift of conversation. An afternoon spent in your company might be the highlight of their holiday season.
Donate warmth
Winter's chill can be unforgiving for families facing financial difficulties. Consider organizing a drive to collect coats, blankets, hats and gloves for those in need. Ask your local elementary or middle schools for help distributing the items to families who need them most – or contact a shelter to arrange a delivery.
Volunteers of America has a current need for all sorts of winter gear, including hoodies, leggings, boots and more. To make it easier, you can order items from Amazon without even leaving the house! The donated goods ship right to the organization where they can be given to those who need them.
Adopt a family
The only thing better than a visit from Santa is becoming Santa yourself! Many organizations run programs that allow you to adopt a family for the holidays, providing them with gifts, food and other necessities.
This act of giving not only ensures they have a memorable holiday but also relieves the stress and financial burden this time of year can often bring. For help finding a family, try contacting local schools, church leaders, clergy, or organizations like the Salvation Army.
United Way of Utah County has a webpage where you can sign up to receive or give goods this Christmas season. Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake also has a sign up sheet to get involved.
Give comfort to animals
While the focus of the season is often on helping fellow humans, remembering your community's furry friends is also rewarding. According to a review published in Frontiers in Psychology, human-animal interactions can lead to an improvement in mood, behavior, interpersonal interaction, as well as a reduction in stress and anxiety.
So if you need a little less holiday stress in your life this year, volunteer at your local animal shelter. Organizations like Best Friends and the Humane Society of Utah always need people willing to lend a helping paw.
You can also volunteer to foster a pet until it is adopted. You not only provide them with a loving home but you can also free up space for other animals in need.
Donate blood
Though it seems like less of a service opportunity and more like a doctor's appointment, donating blood is a critical act of service for those in your community. According to Cedars Sinai, one blood donation can save up to three lives. The U.S. needs 38,000 blood donations every day to keep up with the need.
Finding a place to donate is simple. There are many donation centers around the state, but you can also find a drive at your local church or school by searching on the American Red Cross website.
Express your love
Regardless of how you choose to serve others, be sure to hold your loved ones close this holiday season. Expressing a simple "I love you" goes a long way. Wrap them up in a cozy Minky Couture blanket and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
