Quite a sight to see someone willingly giving their time to make a difference in the lives of others. Even in this hectic and busy world, volunteers love to help unfortunate souls; human or animal alike, at the least opportunity they get. Why? Not for money? We can assure you of this.
People who volunteer do this because it makes them feel good, and most consider it more valuable than their income-earning jobs. In short, by volunteering, you improve your health and life in the process.
In this article, we will discuss 7 Real-world benefits of volunteering, and why you should consider it.
Build new friendships
One of the main benefits of volunteering is building new relationships. It creates the opportunity to meet new people, build, and strengthen old connections. During these occasions, you come in contact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, helping you to build a large spectrum of friends from all walks of life.
In fact, such diverse ways of viewing the world, help you consider ideas from multiple angles, making you a more rounded individual.
Related Content: Social Hobbies to Make New Friends
Volunteering ends loneliness
Following the increase in friends, and the ample opportunities to meet more people, and build new ones, loneliness becomes a thing of the past. There have been studies in both the United States and the United Kingdom of people feeling lonely. Through Volunteering, however, it will become obsolete, because many opportunities will present themselves, making it possible to build new relationships.
Increase Your Social Skills
Because you start building healthy friendships from all walks of life, you also improve your social skills. The more you speak and listen to people, the more your ability to clearly communicate improves, probably because you have more occasions to practice and hone those skills.
Makes you happier
According to studies, volunteers keep on contributing to the lives of others because it alleviates feelings of anger, stress, and anxiety. And we know that these feelings make life miserable. Therefore, in their absence, life is much easier for us.
Thus, we can say for sure that volunteer work is a great path to finding happiness.
Improves Your Emotional Stability
Stress and other negative feelings like OCD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Depression start fading away as you connect and help more people. In fact, people with such problems start seeing changes almost immediately when they start volunteering and relating with others, even if it’s an animal. And the more connected they are with others, the better their feelings toward others, and therefore they see improvement in their ability to control their emotions.
Reduces Belly Fat
In this modern day and age, more people are seated behind a desk for 9 – 10 hours a day. Consequently, numerous health risks like obesity, back pain, stress, and other related diseases emerge. This is because of less movement associated with such jobs.
However, if you choose to start volunteering, you start moving around more; picking up boxes, training dogs, visiting the elderly, and many others. It is one of the many hobbies capable of keeping you in shape.
Through this, more time is spent moving than sitting idle in one place, causing that stubborn belly fat to disappear.
Promotes Long Life
The physical immediate benefits of constantly engaging with others, moving around, and helping others can be seen. But do you know that prolonged volunteer work for years promotes long life? A study shows that people who contribute over 100 hours of their time to charity work are the healthiest people in the United States of America.
Promotes Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem has never helped anyone else and it sure will not help you. It can only drive you into depression, anger, grudge, fear, and all the other evils that it generates.
On the other hand, taking the time to seek the interest of others gives you a new sense of purpose. It builds your confidence and self-worth.
With a new sense of purpose, the world becoming meaningful, you wake up every morning refreshed, and ready to take on any challenge you might face along the way.
In this regard, seeking others first reprograms your mind, improves your health, and helps you to be the best version of yourself. So, don’t ignore it. Take it up and you will not be disappointed.
Makes Old Age Manageable
With those benefits, from less stress, more happiness, and many others, old age becomes a graceful time of your life. You will become physically fit, and experience fewer problems than non-volunteers.
Reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s disease
A graceful life during old age is not possible if you’re suffering from this disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a major problem for people on every continent, specifically old people. However, many studies have illustrated that people who participate in volunteer work have the least potential for this disease.
Several studies have shown that people who give their time to help others in their time of need have less risk of dementia. The part of the brain responsible for building connections is strengthened during social and community services. This, however, only works if you’re doing it for the service of others and not for monetary gains.
In light of this, the act of volunteering in the interest of others will not benefit you only in the now, but years after you have grown old.
Related Content: Hobbies To Make Your Brain Work Faster And Smarter
Where to find volunteer opportunities
If you intend to start volunteering, here are some avenues you can use. Look for any specific role that fits you.
- Local service organizations (e.g., Rotary Club or Lions Club)
- Community arts groups (e.g., museums or theaters)
- Youth organizations (e.g., after-school programs or sports groups)
- National parks or conservation organizations
- Political organizations
- Libraries
- Senior centers
- Family shelters
- Food pantries
- Animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Places of worship
Conclusion
Volunteer work, even as a hobby can change your life for the better. Give it a try.
Also, check this related content on Volunteer Quotes to Inspire You To Give.
References
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
- https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2021/08/5-surprising-health-benefits-of-volunteering
