There are so many options to choose from.
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| | | | | If you regularly volunteer, you probably know that giving back to your community can make you feel good and give you a greater sense of purpose or meaning. According to research, volunteering could also improve your health by lowering your risk of heart disease, boosting brain performance, and even reducing levels of physical pain. | | How you decide to contribute to your community is up to you, and there are many options available. If you're interested in getting started but don't know where to begin, our team shares some of their favorite ways to give back below. Keep reading to find some inspiration. | | | | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
September 3, 2025 • 3.5 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | | Wondering how to start volunteering? Follow our lead! | | "Fostering animals! Taking in kittens and dogs and giving them a safe space, love, and security until they find their forever homes has been one of the best things our family does together. It's not always easy, and there have been many tears along the way, but the idea that we can play a small role in changing lives (both animal and human) for the better is both gratifying and exciting." — Sara McTigue, senior editor | | "I've done a lot of different volunteer work over the years, and it always fills my cup. Whether it's preparing meals and wrapping gifts at my local community center or signing up to clean up a park nearby, it feels good to contribute to something. I can't change the world, but I can take part in small acts of service to uplift or improve my neighborhood." — Samantha Costa, editor | | "I started walking dogs at my local shelter, and it's been such a rewarding and low-lift way to give back and help animals in need. The dogs are so happy to get out of their kennels and have some human interaction, so it's impossible not to feel joyful being around them. The volunteer program at the shelter is important for helping the dogs get adopted, and I love being able to contribute to that effort." — Ginger Wojcik, newsletter editor | | "My way of volunteering is more donating — but it still counts! Every few years, I grow my hair out and cut off at least 8 inches to send to a charity like Locks of Love that makes wigs for those who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. I get a lot of compliments on my hair, so I figure, why not share it! It makes me feel good knowing that even something like hair can be repurposed." — Sarah Matysiak, engagement editor | "I volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth … until their case closes (can be anywhere from a few months to years). Being a consistent adult in a youth's life and helping to advocate for their best interests has been a really rewarding experience.
"I've also volunteered with my dog as a therapy dog team through a local shelter for the past couple of years. We would visit a local hospital, senior communities, and a college campus, and it always lifted my spirits. Spending time with my pup is one of my favorite activities, and it was rewarding to bring a smile to people's faces on a rough day." — Chelsea Logan, managing editor | | | | 🎤 Over to you: How do you like to give back? Email wellnesswire@healthline.com! | | | | | | |  | | | What Really Happens When You Try a Colon Cleanse? | | From coffee enemas to DIY colon cleanses, there's no shortage of gut health "hacks" out there. But what are the potential risks? In this video, gastroenterologist Dr. Sethi explains how these trends can actually affect your health. | | | | | | | | |   | | | | | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | |  | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | upcoming vacation time. | | | | | | | | View in browser
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