If you’re feeling disenchanted these days, you’re not alone. In the face of the daily onslaught of difficult news stories and social media updates, it’s all too easy to feel isolated, helpless and pessimistic – three good reasons to put your phone down, walk outside and invest in real-life community connections through volunteering.

It doesn’t need to be time consuming or difficult – no matter your age, ability, interests or location, there are myriad ways to get involved in your community. Choose a volunteer activity that includes social connection, time outside and physical activity for a feel-good hat trick that will keep those doomsday feelings away.

It’s in the bag
The old trash clean-up is a classic volunteering gig for a reason – it’s suitable for all ages and locations, and (unfortunately) there’s a seemingly endless supply of garbage to collect. Whether you go the formal route of adopting a stretch of a local road to keep clean, join one of Nova Scotia’s many beach clean-up projects or just pick up whatever trash you see on your daily walk to school or the mailbox, you’ll be making a difference to your community.

Let’s get growing
‘Tis the season to hit the garden – and if you need to feel grounded, there’s not much better than spending time outside with your hands in actual dirt. Many communities around the province have community gardens – either for people to garden in their own plots, or places where volunteers can devote their time and effort to growing food that benefits community food banks. Speaking of food banks, Feed Nova Scotia always needs help – and if your local community or faith organization has a food bank, they could probably use another set of hands.

On the run
Enjoy running? Want to help young Nova Scotians get active? Consider volunteering as a coach or running buddy with your local Kids Run Club! Kids Run Club is a free, school-based running program that has helped tens of thousands of kids in the province develop healthy habits for life. If you’d rather not make a run for it, consider getting involved in a different kind of activity – local organizations are always looking for volunteers, whether for a big event such as the Canada Games or Special Olympics, for a sport-specific event such as a local regatta, race or tournament, for regular practices and games, or for other cultural events like concerts and parades. Training is often low-cost or free, and if you’re volunteering for an event, you’ll probably get a free ticket or two in thanks.

Check it out
Don’t forget the library as a source of not just books, but also volunteering opportunities. Whatever your area of expertise, chances are there’s a use for your skills and enthusiasm at your local library. Read to kids at story time, host a crafternoon, teach a special skill or help a new Canadian improve their English – there are many ways to connect with your community by getting involved in library programming. Prefer to keep it closer to home? Maybe you’d like to host a Little Free Library (LFL) on your property. It doesn’t have to be just books – LFLs can be repositories for movies, toys, artwork, even sourdough starter!

The sky’s the limit
No matter what you’re interested in, chances are there is a way to share your enthusiasm with others through volunteering. Consider getting involved with a service organization, supporting Girl Guides or Scouts, or taking a bigger role in a hobby group. If you can imagine it, you can volunteer to build it!

Want more information on healthy living and health-care delivery sent directly to your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter to get all of our content first!