Summary
Three Cheers for Volunteers! Did you know that volunteering doesn’t just help the community? It helps you, too! Here are 5 ways you can benefit from donating your time.
Three Cheers for Volunteers! Did you know that volunteering doesn’t just help the community? It helps you, too! Here are 5 ways you can benefit from donating your time:
1. COMBAT NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
According to Volunteer Weekly, 96% of people say that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life. No matter what kinds of challenges you may be facing in life, there is no better feeling than knowing you’ve helped remove a burden from someone else. Spending your time helping others can help you overcome loneliness, depression, and anger. And best of all – volunteering is fun!
2. IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL WELLBELLING
Volunteering goes beyond emotional health – studies have shown that volunteering contributes to physical health, too! Getting off the couch and into the community will help motivate you to stay active, which is essential for the body. It will also reduce stress and anxiety by shifting our attention from our own concerns to the needs of others. A study done by Harvard University explains that living an active and positive lifestyle translates to many benefits in itself, including a healthy blood pressure level, improved heart health, a reduced risk of many diseases, and more.
3. CONTRIBUTE TO PERSONAL GROWTH
When you help others, there is no doubt that you will feel a sense of fulfilment and accomplishment! This will lead to a feeling of confidence and self-esteem, which will make you feel better about yourself in your day-to-day life. You’ll even have the opportunity to develop skills that will contribute to your personal life, education, employment, and more! CoachArt mentions that volunteering can introduce you to skills that will help achieve goals in other areas of your life.
4. BUILD MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
It is inevitable that you’ll meet new people when you’re volunteering! Whether they’re fellow volunteers, other members of the community, or the individuals you’re helping, the people that you encounter will give you a sense of belonging. Volunteering with friends or family can also help you strengthen your relationship and create lifelong memories.
5. INCREASE BRAIN FUNCTION
Problem solving, long and short-term memory, and a reduced risk of age-related mental diseases are all areas that volunteering can contribute to! According to a study done by Oxford Academic, Volunteering can contribute to improved problem solving skills, long- and short-term memory development, and a reduced risk of age-related mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Winston Churchill said “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” Volunteering opens doors to opportunities you never thought were possible, and guarantees a great feeling at the end of the day. Reap these benefits! Become an MSC Volunteer today:
