Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by talking about something spring brings with it other than showers and flowers... spring races! I know, I know! I'm excited too! But as much as I love running all the races I can, I also love volunteering at the races as well--something I was reminded of when I checked out my 2023 Facebook memories that popped up yesterday, "And that’s a wrap for the GO! St. Louis Marathon 2023!!!" I wrote, going on to say, "Working alongside Beth Salinger is always a joy and I always learn new things about the art of race directing. Helping the runners on and off the shuttle buses might seem like an insignificant job to some but I see it as a great opportunity to give an encouraging word!!! And never underestimate the power of a kind word spoken. Proverbs 16:24 On a side note… my sweet Larry ran another half marathon!!!! he makes me smile." Reading that made me smile all over again just as big as it did the day I wrote it and Sweet Larry and I already have volunteer jobs lined up!
Did you know that volunteering is not only fun and has the power to make someone smile, but volunteering has also been deemed a A PRESCRIPTION FOR IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING? It's true. A recent study by Willis Towers Watson found 59 percent of employees across industries and seniority levels report that mental health problems affect their work. That is up from 48 percent in 2020.*When it comes to the mental health crisis, Dr. Ann Merkow, Regional Medical Director at the QuadMed West Allis Health Center has some helpful advice. “Volunteer. It is the best prescription I know of for improved health and well-being. No pills needed,” she said.
But I get it. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous according to HelpGuide.org because it offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. And the right match could very well be the Bass Pro Fitness Series of events. Message Alicia Adamson at the BPFS Community and she will be more than happy to plug you in when and where it works into your schedule.
But if you're still not convinced, check out these two amazing benefits that come from freely giving of your time and talents:
Benefit 1: Volunteering connects you to others
One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.
Helps you make new friends and contacts. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.
Increases your social and relationship skills. While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.
Volunteering as a family reaps rewards. Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you’ll show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and animals and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.
Benefit 2: Volunteering is good for your mind and body
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.
Volunteering makes you happy. By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.
Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.
Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.
Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.
So there you have it friends. Running has so many benefits but so does volunteering at running events. Which means if running (or cycling) one of the Bass Pro events is not your thing, I hope you’ll consider freely giving of your time so that others can cross the finish line. You and the recipients of your kindness will come away equally blessed. Happy Running!
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