Being able to focus on something else is the main reason why volunteering helps to lower stress levels. You will be able to focus on the tasks you have to complete as well as on the people or animals you might be helping. By listening to their stories and attending to their needs, you can forget about the stress in your life. You will be able to take your mind to their situations and to their problems, and then you can find ways to help. In fact, having someone to help often allows you to begin to problem solve for your own stress. Since you will begin to feel you can make a difference, you will take that energy and create a more positive attitude.
Learning the Lesson of Gratitude
Being grateful makes you forgetting your stress and enjoying life. When you see others around you who need help and are not able to get the help for themselves, it will cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your life. No longer will you feel that your life is stressful as you will see others who may be much worse off than you are. By realizing that your stresses may have been blown out of proportion, you can begin to see just how lucky you are.
Though volunteering will take time away from your family and friends, it will also allow you to begin to see the change you can make in the world. Instead of simply focusing on yourself, take time to look at others. You will see that you can create not only positive results, but also a positive attitude.
