There's no doubt about it, we've had a tough winter so far here in New England, with a continuous stream of big mid-week snowstorms, cold whipping winds, power outages, etc.
You name it, we've had it. And, the kicker is that we're only half way through. It can get you down. So, what can you do?
Well, eating right is always a good idea, supplementing the high carbohydrate snacks munched during snow shoveling breaks with more nutritional items like fruits and vegetables. And light exercise, not requiring a snow removal device, is helpful as well.
Socializing is always a good idea-getting out to be around family and friends. But, one of the best, and perhaps most overlooked, ways to feel better is to volunteer.
I first volunteered in the business area over 20 years ago. The local Small Business Development Center was putting on a business start-up workshop in South Dallas, to help low income individuals with their plans.
The evening workshop was in a location so sketchy that I parked my 1979 VW Rabbit, with an estimated retail value of less than $300, under a street lamp, and "double-timed it" to the front door of the event building.
However, once the event started, my fears quickly disappeared as I got involved in helping the people sort through their business ideas and formulate ways to achieve their dreams. At the end of the event, I felt charged up and grateful to have had the opportunity to be of service.
Since then, I've had other chances to serve as a volunteer and have experienced the same positive feelings.
Last week, I was in a North Shore United Way meeting, where we were talking to two nonprofit volunteers that were seeking grant money to carry out their mission. Their organization provided emergency funds to people needing to buy a week's worth of groceries for their family, or to pay for a few more days of home heating oil.
Honestly, I felt like I was talking to Mother Teresa's sisters. Here were people that were volunteering their time, with absolutely no financial consideration, to help others in desperate need of a life line.
Many of my friends perform volunteer work and report the same good feelings. One friend and his wife volunteer their time to help out at Cape Ann Animal Aid and act as a "halfway" house for kittens that need socialization time with people to ensure healthy development.
Another friend sits on the board of a high school alumni group that gathers and awards scholarship funds to deserving high school seniors. Two more friends act as volunteers to help children learn religious teachings at their church.
Many other people I know act as volunteers in a variety of situations from financial mentoring programs to boat building classes. And they all report experiencing the same good feelings that come from being of service and helping others using their God-given gifts and abilities.
If you look at yourself, and then around you, you'll realize that there are others that could really benefit from you sharing your gifts with them. You might consider joining an organization like the United Way or the local animal shelter. Or you might just volunteer your time at the local church, synagogue, or senior center.
I guarantee you'll feel good feelings-gratitude and happiness, and that those feelings will last, regardless of what Mother Nature is up to.
Paul Jermain, a Manchester resident, leads an Entrepreneurial Training Program for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a member of the Cape Ann TV board of directors.
