Although the holiday season can be filled with joy, that is not always the case. According to an article on Psychology Today, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people experience the most depression this time of year. In fact, 45 percent of Americans dread the holiday season.

Being separated from loved ones during the holidays can be trying, but being alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Reaching out to help others may be just what you need to beat the holiday blues.

Volunteer opportunities are abundant this time of year.

1. Serving a Christmas meal at a VA homeless shelter or delivering Christmas dinner to the family of a deployed servicemember can make a world of difference to a veteran or family in need.
2. Helping to host a holiday store at a VA hospital or wrapping gifts for veterans after the shopping is done is a great way to show support and share the true meaning of the holiday season.
3. Joining together with others to purchase holiday gifts for military families with a deployed parent gives you the opportunity to brighten someone’s holiday and be surrounded by other kind and compassionate people.

It’s amazing how a selfless act of volunteering holds so many rewards. Serving others helps you achieve a sense of control. Gain positive attention, feel gratitude for what you have, and it boosts our self-esteem.

Those who join their community and volunteer, rather than isolate themselves during the holiday season, receive a priceless benefit: a change in outlook and a chance to offer something positive to others.