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Many of us have a desire to actively improve the lives of others. Unfortunately, work, personal obligations and general exhaustion often hinder our ability – and availability – to engage in such noble pursuits.
However, it’s important to understand that doing good deeds doesn’t have to be a drain on one’s time and/or energy, as there are numerous ways you can make life better for others without constantly testing your limits. So, if you’ve been looking for simple and satisfying ways to give back to the community, consider the following options.
Ways to Improve the Lives of Others
1. Make Charitable Donations
When some of us think of charitable donations, our minds go directly to the massive sums donated to various causes by the ultra-wealthy. While such incredible donations are certainly admirable, most people don’t need to adopt a “go big or go home” approach to charitable giving. In fact, many of us lack the means to do so.
Fortunately, you don’t need to make money in millions to make charitable contributions. Donating small sums to your favorite charities, helping out with local food drives and taking part in community outreach programs are all great ways to improve the lives of others. You can also clear out some space in your home by donating any clothing, furniture or leisure items for which you no longer have any use.
In recent years, donating outdated – but perfectly usable – electronics has become an increasingly popular form of charitable giving. Given the rate at which many Americans upgrade their various gadgets, a fair number of households have a plethora of unused electronics. Instead of allowing these devices to sit around and gather dust, why not donate them to local private schools, outreach centers or charities that are dedicated to rehoming old electronics?
You may also want to consider donating blood. No matter where you’re based, there are sure to be an abundance of options for blood donation. Taking a little bit of time out of your day stands to save a life. Anyone in need of a double red cell donation is sure to appreciate your generosity.
2. Check in with People Dealing with Mental Health Issues
In addition to experiencing a host of mental health issues ourselves, most of us know people grappling with psychological disorders. Not only are mental health issues part of the human condition, they’re often exacerbated by uncaring “work or die” societies and other external elements. Furthermore, they can be particularly hard on one’s psyche if they’re experienced in silence.
So, if you have any friends, family members or neighbors who are currently grappling with mental health problems, consider reaching out and offering your support. Simply lending someone a sympathetic ear can have a tremendously positive impact on their general outlook. Knowing that someone is in their corner can provide incredible comfort to people who believe that they’re truly alone.
Of course, this isn’t to say that you should seek to take the place of dedicated mental health professionals. If someone in your life is in need of help that you’re unable or unqualified to provide, do your best to guide them in the direction of professional assistance. You can still be there for them, but if professional help is required for long-term relief, you’d be wise to help them seek it out.
3. Lend a Helping Hand to People in Your Life
If any of the people in your life are feeling stressed, overexerted or generally exhausted, consider lending a helping hand whenever doing so is feasible. Simply offering to give someone a ride to an appointment, run errands for them or cook them a meal can prove tremendously helpful and provide some much-needed relief to people feeling overwhelmed by life.
Taking steps to improve the lives of others can prove beneficial on two key fronts. For starters, you’ll be making a difference in the lives of people who could use a sympathetic ear or helping hand. Secondly, through helping others, you’re bound to learn more about yourself and feel an incredible sense of satisfaction. However, if you feel that you lack the bandwidth to facilitate positive change, you should understand that helping others doesn’t have to be a test of endurance. So, if you’re interested in providing assistance to the people around you, give some thought to the options discussed above.