Volunteering is a great way to give back. It also allows you to pursue specific passions and meet new people. Giving back even helps your mind and body. Here are 10 health benefits of volunteering.
1. It Lowers Your Risk of Depression
Volunteering is a great way to expand your social circle and gain support. It allows you to make new friends and spend time with people outside of projects. The other perk is that the people there have similar interests, so you feel like part of a community.
These connections lower feelings of anxiety and depression that lead to loneliness. Find a volunteering opportunity that matches your interest and introduce yourself to the people.
2. It Improves Your Mental Health
When you give back, it can feel rewarding and boost your happiness. For example, suppose you love animals. Volunteering at a shelter can bring joy, knowing you’re helping the animals. Also, your body releases feel-good hormones, called endorphins, during social interactions.
Volunteering can also improve your confidence, which is vital for having high self-esteem. If you want to challenge yourself more, take on a leadership role within the community. You can meet new people and grow your skills.
3. It Encourages Physical Activity
Most activities require you to move, whether helping seniors or washing a car for a school fundraiser. If you choose outdoor activities, this is an excellent chance to move while getting fresh air. In fact, you need at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week.
Here are a few activities that can help meet those goals:
- Do a charity run.
- Clean your local homeless shelter.
- Join Habitat for Humanity.
- Volunteer as a sports coach.
- Walk dogs in local animal shelters.
4. It Lowers Stress Levels
Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose, which can help relieve stress. Also, socializing and being busy enable you to keep your mind off everyday stressors. It’s also an excellent way to provide a fresh perspective.
You can see how others are less fortunate and appreciate what you have. Plus, if you exercise, this can also reduce stress and allow you to release pent-up emotions.
5. You Can Learn New Skills
When you volunteer, you gain social skills through interacting with the community. For example, you might become more compassionate or improve your communication skills. You could also grow your artistic side if you choose craft projects. For those who are musical, you can share these talents by volunteering at therapy centers.
For example, you could knit a blanket for the homeless or make cards for sick patients. You can then apply these new skills to other areas of your life and increase your confidence.
6. It Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
Adults who volunteer for at least 200 hours per year lower their risk of high blood pressure by 40%. This is due to decreased stress and increased exercise. Also, the overall feel of the community can reduce anxiety and keep your blood pressure down.
Having high blood pressure has health risks, including stroke and heart failure. So, volunteering can be a fun way to live longer.
7. It Offers an Excuse to Travel Abroad
If you love to travel, why not find an opportunity abroad? This can allow you to give back and explore a new culture. Visiting another country helps you gain a fresh perspective and have a support network while abroad.
To find opportunities, search online or ask friends for suggestions. Check out websites, such as gooverseas.com, for upcoming trips.
8. It Can Improve Cognitive Skills
Activities stimulating your brain, such as tutoring, can improve your cognitive abilities. They can enhance your memory or critical thinking skills. These are important to keep sharp, especially as you age.
Here are a few volunteer activities to help stimulate your brain:
- Be a mentor to underprivileged kids,
- Become a part-time translator.
- Help senior citizens use technology.
- Read to kids at your local daycare.
- Assist with community boy or girls scout activities.
9. It Can Increase Your Empathy and Compassion
In a world that isn’t always kind, this is highly beneficial. By being empathic, you can lead the example for others. When volunteering, you often need to be caring toward community members. This includes helping older women unload groceries or teaching younger children how to read.
Some opportunities even allow you to show compassion to animals, such as sick pets at the shelter. By helping others, you’re directly creating a more empathic society.
10. Encourages a Change of Scenery
We spend hours inside our house, watching television, cooking, or doing chores. One of the benefits of volunteering is getting outside your house. This can change the scenery and reduce feelings of stress.
It also lets you soak in direct sunlight to boost your overall mood. Volunteering will hold you accountable to follow through on your plans. Take your kids with you to encourage them to step away from their electronics.
Why You Should Volunteer
Volunteering can increase your mental and physical health. It reduces stress and gives you an excuse to do light exercise. So, consider ways you can get involved in your community today.
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