These days it may seem like it’s hard to find time for yourself, let alone for others. But, in this world it’s important that we find the time to give back to others and volunteer for organizations we are passionate for. The benefits of volunteering are abundant, and if you’re not currently involved with some sort of philanthropy, there’s no better time than now to join one. Here’s a list of just some of the ways volunteering can better your own life (not to mention all the people you will be helping):
First, volunteering is a great way to make connections and build relationships with others. Most people find volunteer work within their own communities to help better the lives of those around them and make a difference in a place that’s close to home (quite literally). So, when you’re looking for an organization that needs help, or just a place to volunteer at for a few hours per month, try focusing on what’s going on in the city or town that you live in because you’ll be making a difference for not just any community, but the one you belong to. Volunteering in close proximities to where you live helps you make new friends that you can easily stay in touch with, and also helps to expand your professional network and social skills.
Volunteering also has positive effects on your mental and physical health. To start with, volunteering can help boost your self-confidence and overall life satisfaction. When you know that you’re doing good deeds for others, your brain registers this as a natural sense of accomplishment and you will often develop a positive outlook on your own personal goals. Physically speaking, volunteering is particularly beneficial for adults. According to an article published on Helpguide.org, studies have shown that those who volunteer “have a lower mortality rate… and show lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease,”(Helpguide.org, Volunteering and it’s Surprising Benefits).
Volunteering also has positive effects on your mental and physical health. To start with, volunteering can help boost your self-confidence and overall life satisfaction. When you know that you’re doing good deeds for others, your brain registers this as a natural sense of accomplishment and you will often develop a positive outlook on your own personal goals. Physically speaking, volunteering is particularly beneficial for adults. According to an article published on Helpguide.org, studies have shown that those who volunteer “have a lower mortality rate… and show lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease,”(Helpguide.org, Volunteering and it’s Surprising Benefits).
Another great benefit, and perhaps the most important, from volunteer work is that it brings fulfillment to your life. Volunteering helps people recognize what they are passionate for; so doing work that is means something to you is enjoyable, energizing, and motivational. You can explore an entire new side of your own persona that is not affiliated with your day job, but can help build certain skills and vision towards enhancing your professional career. In an article about volunteering’s effect on happiness, Helpguide.org explains “When researchers at the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness in a large group of American adults, they found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were,” (Helpguide.org, Volunteering and it’s Surprising Benefits).
In conclusion, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t volunteer. So get out in your community and dedicate your time towards something you are passionate for. If you need help finding organizations to volunteer for, check out Helpguide.org's article about the positive effects of volunteering here.
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