Volunteers have Hearts

Did you know that we, as a society, value volunteers so much that we even put a monetary value on their time? Our volunteer work may be more valuable than our regular work!
But money means nothing to volunteers. They do it for many other reasons, but primarily to help other people. Nevertheless, many side effects of volunteering make it even more worthwhile.

Most of us want to help those less fortunate than ourselves. We do not volunteer, for the most part, because it benefits us. 

We volunteer because it makes a difference.

But there are even more benefits to volunteering.
We notice a subtle shift in ourselves when we volunteer.
We feel more connected to others, and we become less absorbed in the normal stresses of daily life.
We share our experiences with others and want to help more.

Sure, we know that volunteering makes us feel good. Did you know that, when you volunteer, you are improving your life and maybe even your health?

The benefits of volunteering are countless. But there are social, emotional, physical, and professional perks.

Here are fifteen proven benefits of volunteering.  Maybe one of them will convince you to get off the couch and out the door to engage with your community.

We Need You!!

1. Volunteering Builds Community

You strengthen your community and your social network when you volunteer. You make connections with the people you are helping, and you cultivate friendships with other volunteers.

2. Ends Loneliness

Loneliness and social isolation are two of the most severe epidemics in the world today. The simplest way to reverse this? Volunteer!

3. Increases Socializing

Socially, the benefits of volunteering show up quickly and have long-term effects. Social interaction improves mental and physical health. The benefits of consistent socializing include better brain function and lower risk for depression and anxiety. You also improve your immune system.

4. Builds Bonds, Creates Friends

Volunteering creates stronger bonds between friends, family, and coworkers. People build closer relationships, better connections to people when they work together. If you feel the need for deeper connections with other people, try volunteering. You might live longer and be happier.

5. Develops Emotional Stability

Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, low self-esteem, and even Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have all been helped by volunteering. When people with OCD, PTSD, or anger management issues volunteer, they feel more connected to others. They have an increased sense of purpose. Connection and meaning translate to decreased symptoms and improved social function.

6. Improves Self-Esteem

When teens or young adults volunteer, they develop self-esteem, confidence, and feelings of self-worth. Consider the advantages of volunteering for teens and young adults with eating disorders, social anxiety, and depression. Volunteering could be life-changing (and life-saving).

7. Helps Those Most Affected By Mental Illness

Volunteering reduces stress and improves well-being. Volunteering gives people the tools they need to be happier, healthier, and well-rounded individuals. It also keeps us young.

8. Promotes Longevity

While everyone benefits from a little boost in physical health, long-term volunteers have longer lives, less disease, and better overall health. One report says that people who volunteer over 100 hours a year are some of the healthiest people.

9. Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s

People who volunteer may be at lower risk of dementia.

As volunteers age, they may be able to maintain the connections in their brains that often break down in Alzheimer’s patients. Any social interaction can help delay or prevent Alzheimer’s, and volunteering can be a fantastic way to do that.

10. Leads to Graceful Aging

Older volunteers benefit the most from getting out of the house, engaging with others, and moving physically. Purpose and collaboration result in mental health improvements and a better outlook on life.

Older people who volunteer often feel younger, and chronically ill people may have fewer symptoms and pain.

11. Burns That Stubborn Belly Fat

With more people in traditional desk jobs, we live a more sedentary lifestyle than ever before. The risk associated with less daily movement include back pain, disease, obesity, and more stress and mental illness. When we volunteer, even if it is not a physically demanding project, we still get up and get moving.

Volunteering at something that requires physical energy may be more motivating than just walking around the block.

Volunteering saves lives, both the lives of the people you help and yours. When you invest the time and energy to volunteer, you are investing in yourself just as much as in the causes you support.

12. Improves School and College Experience

For school-aged kids, volunteering builds social skills and develops awareness. High school students volunteer to boost their college applications, and college students volunteer to improve their job search post-graduation.

Such programs benefit everyone. If you can get into a great college or accept a fantastic job offer as a result of your community service, why not? The benefits of volunteering do not have to be limited to others.

13. Provides Better Job Prospects

Many researchers have noticed that Millennials are some of the most civic-minded and socially aware employees. They choose jobs that reflect their values and then continue to donate their money, time, and skills.

Other generations, too, are finding that civic-mindedness has become an asset in the workplace. Including related and non-related volunteer work on a résumé can often showcase your skills, as well as reveal an openness to teamwork and a talent for innovation.

14. Develops Corporate Communities

One of the most significant trends in the volunteer world today is corporate philanthropy. More big-name companies than ever support local and national programs financially. They create employee volunteer programs to help their philanthropic efforts and to retain employees. Companies encourage employees to commit a certain number of hours every year to service programs.

15. Volunteering Adds Fun to Your Years

Volunteering and freely giving your time, energy, and resources to people and causes around the world can create change on a global scale. It is incredible to think that one person’s efforts can change the life of someone else somewhere in the world. However, the best part, and often overlooked, is that volunteering is just plain fun.

If you are ready to make friends, improve your mental and physical health, and maybe develop new skills along the way, start volunteering. You can change your life and the lives of others when you do. Don’t overlook the benefits of volunteering. Embrace them!

We Need You!!