Donate to de-stress

Traffic, pollution, a hostile workplace, multiple worries at home. Welcome to the typical urban life in India where stress is a mainstay. If a local is finding himself distressed here, imagine how a foreigner would cope. Shareen Smyth, 36, from New Zealand has found a way — voluntary work. She gives some of her time to Dream A Dream, a registered charitable trust. The organisation empowers children from vulnerable backgrounds by imparting life skills to them. “I’ve been doing voluntary work with the organisation for the last three months. I can relate to the children here as I, too, have grown up in a family that was dysfunctional at times. Coming here makes me forget the stress of the outside world and its materialistic ways. I feel freer and lighter,” says Smyth, who helps the underprivileged learn art and craft.

Smyth may not be donating huge sums of money, but she believes in doing something society. “The kids like having me in their classes. They call me aunty and ask me to sit with them. Nothing material could ever replace this rewarding experience.”  

Charity — whether monetary or other forms — also gives a psychological boost to those who take it up. Dr Bhupendra Chaudhry, consultant psychiatrist, Manipal Hospital, says: “Among an individual’s many needs is his need to feel good about himself. Moreover, one also wants others’ appreciation. Charity of any kind helps fulfill these needs and, hence, facilitates rejuvenation. It also aids in breaking monotony and contributes to happiness.”

Agrees Joy Srinivasan, chairperson and managing trustee at Makkala Jagriti, an organisation that endeavours to create learning opportunities for the poor. She says: “Giving of any kind helps one reach out. Spending time with  not-so-fortunate children teaches one to be happy and contented.”

Charity is a way to increase self-worth of both the giver and receiver, says Father Cyriac George, director of Bosco Sumanahalli, an NGO working with the ‘Young At Risk’ in Bangalore. “For some, charity is just fashionable, but for most it is an extension of themselves. It is a de-stresser for people whose lives revolve around their careers,” says Father George.

Sharing his experience of working with Dream A Dream, Vishal Talreja, director of the NGO, says: “Recently, I was going through a personal crisis that had almost turned me into an emotional wreck. My problems seemed so big that I couldn’t see myself getting out of them. But, when I attended one of the events organised by our NGO, everything changed and I could look at the bigger picture.” Talreja had attended a graduation event held for children passing out of Class X at Dream A Dream. The kids were beaming with their newly-found confidence; their laughter echoed in the auditorium. The volunteers watched with teary eyes — they had achieved so much! “Just by being at the event and looking at how happy the kids were, I forgot all about my worries,” recalls Talreja.

Another volunteer, Anju Lavina, feels that helping these children helps people get closure for similar problems they faced. “I’ve seen many people benefit by just being here and helping out. Most tell me that this voluntary work is far more relaxing than watching TV at home.”