[AD] Feel-Good Things To Do when the World Feels Nuts

These days, so many of us are looking for rewarding and enriching things to do to make a difference. Not only in our own lives, with the people we love and hold dear, but with the outer world and its occupants as well. We all want to feel that we’re doing something to help others. With so much uncertainty going on around us, doing something to help someone else, no matter how big or small the effort, can make you feel that your place in the world is more secure. And you have the satisfaction of knowing that someone who was in need is benefitting from your contribution. 

Photo Credit: Amornthep Srina

But where to start? So many of the usual things we do in times of crisis aren’t possible right now. Showing up in person isn’t possible. Deciding who is most in need can be difficult. You may find that you want to help but just don’t know how to begin. We’ve outlined a few ideas below, for ways you can help your fellow man in times of uncertainty. This is by no means an exhaustive list. 

Give Blood

This is always a good idea to help others, no matter what type of crisis (or even if there isn’t one) going on in the world. Giving blood is one of the very best ways you can give back to society. Especially right now, healthcare institutions have asked citizens to give blood as readily as they can, and in some cases, you may even be needed to donate plasma, too. If you’re able to give blood, contact your local healthcare provider to find out where you should go to give back in this life-saving way. 

Sponsor a Child

It isn’t just coronavirus that has caused such worldwide childhood poverty and need. This was already an issue that has only been worsened by the current pandemic. Many people find that sponsoring a child is a very rewarding experience. If you choose to sponsor an orphan, sick or disabled child or a child in poverty, you are helping those who are most vulnerable in our society. Every little bit helps, so whether you can only donate small amounts here and there or a nice sized monthly contribution, either way, your help is greatly appreciated. 

Patronize Local Business

You might not think that ordering takeaway from the mom and pop down the street or grabbing a curbside coffee or paying to have that local bookshop ship a book to your Mom for Mother’s Day will make that much of a difference, but it does. Huge corporations like Amazon are seeing a huge surge in their business since people have sheltered in place at home, but local businesses are suffering, unable to open their doors and ensure their livelihood. Even one curbside meal a week or just a small purchase here and there from local retail shops can help a business stay afloat for one more day. Make sure you’re giving them your support whenever you can. 

Help Someone in your Community

If you know someone in your community who is suffering especially hard during the pandemic, reach out and give a helping hand. Perhaps you can cook a casserole for the elderly person down the street who is suffering without Meals on Wheels. You could sew masks to drop off on the porch of that family of five whose parents are both essential workers. Perhaps offer to make essential shopping trips for your disabled downstairs neighbor. There are lots of little ways you can help others in your family, community and location while still doing social distancing, and these ways don’t have to cost you much money at all. Think of someone who needs help, and reach out to them. It can be as simple as writing a letter to someone you know is isolated and lonely. 
These are just four ways you can help your community or the world at large during times of uncertainty, but there are so many others. Doing for others in the form of cooking, baking, making crafts, writing letters, giving the charity, donating blood or plasma, supporting essential workers, sponsoring a child, and all the other myriad ways you can give a helping hand…it really does make a huge difference. If every person did just one or two good things a week, imagine what kind of place the world could be. That saying “we’re all in this together” is only true if we embrace what “together” means and help as many people as we can.