VOLUNTEERING CAN BE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH Sharing Your Time Can Become Your Favorite Exercise
Staying active is vital for our health, but pain, injury, or the lack of an exercise location can limit how we keep fit. Luckily, there is an easy way to have an active lifestyle without lifting weights or joining a gym: volunteering! Not only does volunteering improve your physical health,it also gives back to society (both of which are Foundational Assets). Here are three reasons volunteering can be your new favorite exercise if you’re looking to flex some physical, mental, or social “muscle.” IT MOVES YOU Volunteering offers different ways to move your body! Even small things like strolling through a park to pick up litter, navigating around a soup kitchen, or directing visitors at your local donation center keep you active.
If your mobility is limited, most organizations are happy to modify more strenuous activities (like lifting heavy boxes or walking up a steep hill) to fit your abilities. So, if you’re just beginning or modifying an exercise habit, volunteering is a perfect step in your fitness journey. YOUR BRAIN EXPANDS When you volunteer with others, you usually have a common goal, like feeding the community, cleaning up a park, or planting a garden. Joining others to accomplish a task provides a significant brain boost, and studies show camaraderie increases positive thoughts and feelings. On top of feeling better, volunteering keeps your mind agile. By working hard to solve a problem, you’re using more neural pathways, which helps you stay mentally sharp.
YOU FORM CONNECTIONS As we mentioned earlier, when you show up to volunteer, others usually attend for the same reason. Socializing with the group can help you feel less isolated and more connected to others, and some of these people may even become your friends when the job is complete. Doug and his wife, Sharee, regularly volunteer to mentor youth at detention centers, boys’ and girls’ group homes, and crisis residential centers — and you can follow their lead. If you want to get active but don’t know of volunteer opportunities in your area, visit VolunteerMatch.org and enter your zip code to find local in-person options. Help yourself and others by making volunteer work your go-to exercise!
LIGHT A BONFIRE If the location of your picnic permits, light a fire to cozy up next to. Some beaches and campgrounds have designated firepit areas to start a fire while enjoying a warm winter meal. You can even cook your food over the fire! Remember to be careful when building a fire in the wilderness and take proper safety precautions.
This time of year, we all enjoy nestling up by a fire, cuddling under a blanket on the couch, or enjoying a warm cup of joe at the local coffee shop. If someone were to propose a winter picnic at the local park, you’d probably think they were crazy. But don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea. With these four tips for hosting a winter picnic, you'll be up for having lunch outside in January any time. In the process, you’ll build lasting family memories that strengthen your Foundational Dimension. KEEP WARM Maintaining heat in winter is at the forefront of all concerns, and your winter picnic is no different. Be sure to pack hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, socks, and an extra set of clothing for unexpected changes in the weather. Believe it or not, a large beach umbrella is extremely helpful in protecting you from the winter elements. You can even plan some active picnic games to keep your body moving and the heat flowing! IT’S COZY SEASON! 4 Tips for a Successful Winter Picnic
PACK HOT MEALS Picnics are all about ease and relaxation! Here are some toasty and hearty winter picnic meal ideas to help warm you up:
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Soup Stew
Baked mac and cheese Loaded baked potatoes
Pot pie
Quiche
Toasted sandwich or panini
Chili
Warm brownies
KEEP IT SIMPLE Remember, it doesn’t need to be complicated! Even just a thermos of hot chocolate; some warm, freshly baked cookies; a bunch of blankets; and hats and gloves are plenty for a winter picnic — ultimately, it’s all about soaking up the beauty of the most wonderful time of the year! You can enjoy a picnic with your spouse or invite your kids and/or grandkids to make the gathering even more meaningful.
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