Artinem

So often when we think of recreation or entertainment, we forget that pleasure can be educational or selfless as often as it is self-serving or mindless. But as recreation closer to home becomes more common, and budgeting for personal entertainment becomes less flexible, more people are expanding their concept of what recreation can consist of.

One of the best ways to spend leisure time is by volunteering with an organization whose interests appeal to you. The benefits of volunteer-work are manifold. Volunteering isn’t just ‘working without pay’–by choosing among volunteer opportunities to find one that engages your interests and enriches your life, it will cease to seem like any kind of work at all.

Consider your own interests and hobbies. If you love to read, for example, instead of traveling to book readings or signings, check with your town’s library for volunteer opportunities. If outdoor recreation is more your style, look to your local National Park Service areas. And if you love sports, consider the possibility of volunteering as a manager for a nearby Little League team or intramural sports league.

Not only can you have fun, and feel you’re performing a community service, volunteer work looks great on your resume.