May 24th, 2011
By Peggy Thompson, MS, RHIA, CCS
How are you feeling today? Maybe just a little down or just a little “out of sorts”? Your health is ok, but there seems tobe something missing in your life right now. Or, you know you need a little lift but for some reason, your enthusiasm has left the building?! Even those most motivating songs, books, audio recordings, and videos are just not moving you! Before you pour that third glass of wine or pop that pill or eat that delicious chocolate whipped cream-topped dessert, think on this! Perhaps, what you may need is to reach out to someone! There is a way! Volunteer!
Volunteering your time can be a very rewarding experience without taking too much of your quality time or by being an inconvenience. Sharing your most precious commodity (your time) can be very fulfilling. One of the major advantages of volunteering is the time aspect. Of course, there are some organizations that will require a specific time frame. If you are a student, volunteering can be an excellent networking venture leading to possible employment. Hospitals and other organizations such as charities and foundations have volunteer departments where you can apply. Health information management (HIM) students can actually request to volunteer for the HIM department.
OK! So, what does volunteering have to do with making you feel better? There is a shift from concentrating on your feelings to concentrating on helping others for a brief period. Usually this time does wonders for the ego; therefore, this effort makes a person feel worthy. Add that blessing to your count. Try to make an effort to volunteer at least once a month to help a person or organization that needs you. You will feel the difference. Volunteer! Decide what time to commit: once a week, once every other week, once a month, twice a month, or once every other month. The decision is yours.
The best way to get involved if you do not know where to start is to do your own investigating. Your first selection may not be the right fit for you. Thus, continue your search. Decide on your interests and what you have to offer! Seek out organizations that interest you.
To get started in your investigation, here are a few starting points. Shelters for the homeless are in need of help all the time. Save items by the month; then, deliver to a shelter. Food pantries and “soup” kitchens always need help. Hospitals, charities, foundations, museums, schools, and other organizations will welcome your efforts. Decide how much time you want to give; find out where you want to give it; and then go for it! Just the investigating alone will change your mood!! Volunteer! Feel better already, don’t you?