Helping others to help ourselves

At this morning's Weight Watcher meeting we tackled the always present issue of emotional eating.  I think I will always battle this to some degree.  I know I make more bad choices when emotions run high, and stress and anger are the worst offenders.   Over the years I have learned to turn to exercise or a creative outlet more and more when things get me rattled and I want to turn to food.  But today, someone suggested volunteering as an outlet. I had never really thought about it that way, but it really made sense to me.  

1. It keeps you busy

2. It forces you to take the focus off of yourself, and put it on others

3. It gives you perspective.  

4. It can give you a sense of accomplishment to help your community. 

It may seem selfish to "use" volunteering as a tool to help yourself, but everyone will benefit.   And any way you choose to help out is valuable.  Don't downplay the work that you do.  

Here are a few ideas of ways to volunteer:

Give blood

Volunteer at local races

Work at a food bank

Get involved with fundraising for various organizations 

Knit for Warm up America

There is a volunteering opportunity that matches everyone's abilities and time availability.