Connect to Your Community

A great way to feel emotionally strong and resilient in times of  stress is to feel connected to a broad community. Think about the things  you like to do. You can expand your social network by looking into a  community organization that brings people together who share the same  interests. For instance, many communities have local biking, hiking, or  walking groups. Is there something you've always wanted to do like learn  a new language? Take a class, or join a local group. You also may find  the support you need through local support groups for a specific issue  like parenting, dealing with a health problem, or caring for a loved one  who's ill.Or consider volunteering with a community organization that helps  fill a need. Here are some tips to make sure your volunteer experience  works for you, and does not become an additional source of stress:

Think about what kind of work you like  to do, based on your interests, skills and availability. Consider  making this a list for easier readability. Do you like to read, write,  build things, repair things, or sort and organize? Do you have a special  field of knowledge that you could teach to struggling students as a  tutor or coach? Are you especially concerned about homelessness or  pollution? Do you love to garden or work in an office? Do you speak  another language? Do you need to be at home, and bring your volunteer  work home with you? Whatever your situation and your interests, there is  probably a volunteer opportunity to make a great contribution in your  community. Volunteering will help you build strong connections with  others - a proven way to protect your mental health. 

 You want your volunteer time to make a  difference, so ask questions to make sure the organization uses  volunteers efficiently and productively. Ask what volunteers do, where  and when they do it, and whether an employee is available with  information and guidance when needed. 

 To find a volunteer position that's  right for you, contact your volunteer center. Look in the Yellow Pages  under "Volunteer Clearinghouse" or "Volunteer Center," or find options  online at http://www.volunteermatch.org/