Mental health check-in! Anchor roots grow stubbornly deep, grounding their trees in resilience to weather unforgiving landscapes. Because life whips us about in whirlwinds, we too, need our own anchors within it.
“Mental health is a fickle issue: if focusing on the problem isn’t working, try something else.”
Popular cures prescribed for mental exhaustion are usually exercise, friends, or practicing mindfulness. Mental Health Awareness week just passed; perhaps you tried journaling, meditation or worse — convinced yourself that a run would take your mind off things (because an influencer swore by it). But sometimes, focusing on getting better does the exact opposite, and new “quick-fixes” usually never work. Especially if your handwriting bothers you; or if you end up with stitches because the last time you ran was during COVID. Yoga and meditation are overhyped anyway — find anchors true to you. So… what next? If directing more energy into “helping” yourself isn’t working, try directing it outwards!
“By giving, you gain”
The common denominator of your worries is: it’s centred around you. Worrying too much about your problems magnifies them, setting off mental spiralling. Volunteering gently snaps you out by offering a fresh perspective.
“…talking to the beneficiaries and learning about them, how they live their day-to-day lives was a heartwarming experience. Connecting with emotionally intelligent kids showed me how resilient they became, growing up in the orphanage. Although they had different challenges in life, they all share the same thing: their love for knowledge. Their perseverance through hardships inspires me, so much so I told myself I should study harder.”
-Alani Safiyyah, Volunteer
We all face struggles and self-doubt. More often than not, it manifests as frustration, curt words seeping into our personal lives, inevitably straining relationships. Yet, like Alani, volunteering helps us shed light on perspective: in her case, reminding her it’s a privilege to learn. These are not new revelations; yet sometimes a fresh perspective is what it takes to remember to appreciate and spark introspection.
“Unlikely Third Place”
We don’t lack communication; we are starved of meaningful connection. We hardly stop from the monotone of daily life to ponder not what, but how to find meaning in our lives. You have to step out of your comfort zone to experience life and all it has to offer.
“I think volunteering indirectly helps us connect in a more authentic way. You form a bond through your shared compassion of wanting to help those around you. In the volunteering scene, we often meet people from various backgrounds but for some unworldly happenstance and reason, everybody is able to bond with those around them so seamlessly even after only spending a day together.
Most, if not all, of those who have volunteered with Small Changes would refer to it as their ‘Third Place’ — a place that brings them joy and a sense of balance in a world that is so fast-paced. Community allows us to slow down and take a step back from our immediate realities, putting things into perspective on what truly matters in the grand scheme of life. It promotes a culture of being willing to connect and open to those who are around you.”
-Maira Athirah, Committee
“A constant in life”
Daily life seems to get faster and faster, with consistency and routine losing out to the next best thing on social media. But that consistency is what we need to keep us anchored. Volunteering is not about how many lives you touch, but the depth and impact of each connection.
“I like the idea of revisiting the same houses. While we may not reach as many orphans, this approach fosters trust in connection. The most fulfilling reward is seeing our consistent efforts materialise in their growth.”
– Aliya Aina, Volunteer
“But I’m new and scared… where do I even start?”
“Growing alongside people who care deeply about the same things you do is life changing.
I’ve always wanted to volunteer but I was scared to take the first step because it sounded intimidating. Little did I know that leap of faith would change my life for the better: it allowed me to learn and discover new things about myself and my community, with newfound friendships that I truly cherish.”
– Maira, on why she believes others should give volunteering a try.
