Helpful Activities

As an anxiety disorder specialist, I know firsthand that volunteering increases self-confidence.

Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction. 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. 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.

The following are a list of local places you can volunteer. We all have different interests, so be sure to pick a place that interests you. Also, some places require that you have specific education or training. This can actually be a great way to rekindle some of the joy with your career.

Volunteering combats depression. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Santa Clara County Animal Shelter
Emergency Medical Services Agency
Second Harvest Food Bank
Mother’s Milk Bank
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
The Public Defender’s Office
The Public Health Department
The Registrar of Voters
Valley Medical Center
Sacred Heart Community Service

For even more ideas on places to volunteer, so to Volunteermatch.org.