Giving Back: The Benefits of Volunteering

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Giving Back: The Benefits of Volunteering

Alex Koupal • August 8, 2023

Why is volunteering important?

In today's world, it's easy to become consumed by personal goals and ambitions. Our priorities usually line up with things that will get us the most benefit, whether that's getting a promotion, finding a romantic partner, or improving our physical and emotional health. In our pursuit of these goals, we often get lost and forget to give back. One remarkable way to ground ourselves is through volunteering. The act of selflessly dedicating your time and skills to a cause greater than yourself can have far-reaching benefits, beyond the immediate act of giving.

Volunteering nurtures a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Engaging in meaningful work, whether it's assisting at a local shelter, participating in environmental clean-ups, or helping to run an event, generates a profound sense of accomplishment. The knowledge that your actions are directly contributing to the betterment of others can boost self-esteem and overall well-being.

Additionally, volunteering presents opportunities for personal growth. It exposes you to diverse perspectives, cultures, and challenges, broadening your horizons and promoting empathy. The skills gained while volunteering – effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving – are transferable to both personal and professional realms, enhancing your skill set and boosting your resume. If you're looking to put these skills towards a career, book a free call with us for Lifepath Coaching!

Volunteering also fosters a strong sense of community. It connects you with like-minded individuals who share your values and passion for making a difference. These connections can lead to lasting friendships and a supportive network.

From a broader perspective, volunteering plays a pivotal role in driving positive social change. Volunteers collectively address critical issues, from poverty alleviation to environmental conservation, and contribute to building a more compassionate and equitable world.

From the intrinsic joy of helping others to the personal growth and the sense of community it fosters, volunteering has the power to transform lives - both of those who receive help and those who provide it. Check out this page from Arizona Helping Hands to find volunteer opportunities near you! Remember that lending a hand not only makes a difference in the community, but it also impacts our own lives in ways beyond measure.

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Tiktok, Social Media & Teens: How to guide without just saying, "Get off your phone!"

By Alex Koupal • April 9, 2025

Let’s be real: telling teens to “get off your phone!” doesn’t work. Social media is part of their world. For our teens, social media is how they connect, learn, and express themselves. So how can we help them use it wisely without sounding and being the villain? There’s a way to help them navigate social media mindfully, and no, it doesn’t involve a complete ban. 1. Start the Conversation, Not the Battle Instead of becoming the enemy and banning social media out of the blue, talk to your teen about what they’re doing on it. Is it for learning, creativity, or just entertainment? Understanding their “why” helps guide them to use it more purposefully. 2. Set Healthy Boundaries Together Instead of enforcing rules, involve your teen in setting healthy screen-time limits. It gives them ownership and responsibility over their habits. For example, “I’ll spend 30 minutes scrolling up on TikTok after school, and then I’ll switch to doing homework” can be a much better strategy than enforcing a rigid rule that feels like punishment. When your teen has a say in the boundaries, they’re more likely to stick to them. 3. Be a Role Model What adults do, Teens do! If we’re glued to our phones, constantly checking social media, it sends the message that it’s okay to get lost in the digital world. Model healthy habits, like setting phone-free times, taking social media breaks, or just being present during family time. Show them how to use social media in a balanced way by setting phone-free times and modeling healthy habits. 4. Encourage Real-Life Activities Social media is great for staying in touch, but it can never replace real-life experiences. Encourage hobbies, sports, or family time to keep them grounded. This way, they can create a well-rounded life that isn’t centered solely around the screen. Plus, those real-world experiences will give them something to post about on their feed! 5. Be Their Guide, Not Their Warden At the end of the day, we can’t control everything teens do online. But we can provide guidance, support, and resources to help them use social media in a positive and mindful way. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage them to have trusted mentors—whether it’s a teacher, coach, older cousin, or life coach—who can provide advice beyond just Mom or Dad. If you’re worried about your teen’s social media habits, let’s talk! Book a free parent support session.