Being healthy is more then just eating the right things, staying away from snacks and exercising on a regular basis, it is also about having a healthy heart and mind and one of the best ways to do that around the holidays is by volunteering.

Volunteering will enrich your life and the lives of those around you while improving your community in tangible and non-tangible ways.

Sometimes figuring out where, when and how to volunteer can be a real challenge. So here are some easy ways to take a few minutes out of your day to brighten the lives of the people around you while strengthening your heart and your holiday spirit.

1. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food shelf: While the need for help at these establishments is a year round thing, the need is great around the holiday season. Whether you are dolling out soup or stacking boxes you can easily make a difference in the lives of many by spending a little bit of your day. If you don’t have the time to spare, why not drop off a bag of non-perishable canned goods.
2. Spread holiday cheer at a nursing home. My grandfather spent the last couple of years of his life in a nursing home and he was lucky enough to have a family that visited him on a consistent basis, but when visiting him I came across many people who were not blessed with visitors. Stopping by a local nursing home with a smile and a Happy Holidays would go a long way to brightening the day of many in your own community.
3. Perform in your community chorus or church pageant. Whether you play a starring role or just a bit part, you’ll participate in another great community holiday tradition and you’ll put smiles on the faces of all those who come to watch you perform.
4. Run a 5K for charity. All throughout the holidays there are 5K races throughout communities. Whether it’s an annual Turkey Trot (which have already passed) or a Christmas 5K there are always races to run. Pick your favorite local charity and raise money for them. You’ll be doing something good and working your physical muscles as well killing two birds with one stone.
5. Help out at the local festival of lights. Here where I live, Easter Seals holds a festival of lights every year. It’s quite spectacular. A number of light sculptures are erected by local area businesses in a park along the water and cars make a donation to drive through to see the lights. It’s for a good cause and it’s a fun holiday activity. There are similar activities all around you, seek them out and donate your time.

Keeping a healthy mind and body is very important and just as important year round, but especially around the holidays is flexing your heart muscle and giving back to the community in which you live. Volunteering is the easiest way to impact the community spirit in your area.

Coming up on Day 4 of the 12 Days to a Healthy Holiday – Cook At Home

By: Adam @ Turnupmyworkout.com

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Adam De Young Founder of Turnupmyworkout After losing 110lbs., I started Turnupmyworkout to share my secrets with you on how to achieve weight loss and keep it off. Through the power of the best workout music, I suggest the right mix of music for your workout intensity level. Every month, you recieve a new playlist to keep you on track to reach your weight loss goals. www.turnupmyworkout.com www.facebook.com/turnupmyworkout