5 Fun Ways to Volunteer, Just like Michelle Obama

Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine

April Daniels Hussar,SELF magazine

Many of us love the idea of volunteering, but just can't seem to find that extra hour in our week. Today, in honor of National Volunteer Week, we're taking the time to look at some of the great ways to give back, from helping girls develop self-respect (by running a 5K!) to assisting Michelle Obama to building homes around the world.

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Of course, volunteering isn't all about altruism -- it's good for you, too! SELF has reported that 92 percent of volunteers say it enriches their sense of purpose, 89 percent say it enhances well-being and 73 percent say it reduces stress, according to a UnitedHealthcare poll. Here are five causes that are good for you and the world around you:

1. Help Girls Develop Self-Respect and Healthy Lifestyles!
Girls on the Run is an awesome organization, dedicated to educating girls and preparing them for a lifetime of self-respect and making healthy choices. Not only will you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pre-teen and teen girls, but you'll get some running in every week yourself, as you help your team prepare to run a 5K race at the end of the season. Be a coach or a running buddy, support a committee or participate in a one-time event.

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2. Make Like Michelle O. and Help Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids!
Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign is much more than an opportunity to see great shots of Mrs. O hula-hooping on the White House Lawn. You can get involved with, or initiate, a community or school garden, a healthy lunch program or fun exercise activities for kids.

3. Fight Poverty and Build Homes Across the World.
With Habitat for Humanity, you can get involved right in your own community, or you can look into one of their travel programs, like The Global Village Volunteer program. There, you can travel to exciting destinations in the United States and around the world, while advocating for better living conditions, raising funds to help those in need and working to build decent, affordable houses in communities that need them.

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4. Feed our Seniors.
Check out the Meals on Wheels Association of America. Volunteers are needed for delivering or preparing meals. You can also get involved by helping in their offices or with fundraisers and by making phone calls to check on seniors. Plus: This is a great way to honor or remember your mom this Mother's Day! Donate just $7 to deliver a nourishing meal to a homebound mom, and you can also send a personalized e-card to your mom, another special woman or a homebound senior. Visit mealsformoms.org/home

5. Save the Bees.
Volunteer right in your own backyard! You may have heard people talk about the disappearance of the honey bees -- The Great Sunflower Project is your chance to help gather important information about what's really happening to urban and suburban bee populations. First, you'll grow a Lemon Queen sunflower or other bee-friendly flower to attract bees. Once your plant is blooming, you will observe it for just 15 minutes, twice per month, to record how many bees visit the flower. Then you'll submit your data on the Great Sunflower Project website. Easy peasy and it gets you outdoors among the blooming flowers. Win, win!

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