7 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer More Often
They say ‘the more you give, the more you receive’. This is very true. You may think that when you are doing volunteer work, you are the only one who is giving or being generous. But the reality is that you actually receive more.
Below are the top reasons why volunteering is something you should do very often:
Volunteering boosts your health.
Research has shown that those who volunteer are generally healthier than those who don’t. They have lower mortality rates, lower risk of depression, and greater functional mobility. They also have lower chances of developing heart conditions and other chronic diseases.
Volunteering boosts your brain power.
A 2009 study by John Hopkins University found that volunteers actually increased their brain functioning. The fact that volunteering gets you moving and thinking at the same time is one of the many reasons why it benefits both your mind and body.
It makes you develop new skills.
Volunteer works can also be a great venue to enhance your skills or develop new ones. Whether it’s a medical mission, a livelihood project, or a children’s show - volunteer works glow you to try and learn different crafts.
It makes you happier.
Yes, volunteering makes you happier too. Volunteering gives you a great sense of self-fulfilment. It makes you feel a better person. All the positive feelings brought by the act of volunteering lower your stress levels and boost your mood. Studies show that volunteering stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain - the same ‘feel good’ hormone which is released when you work out, cuddle with your partner, or eat chocolate!
It can lengthen your life.
Want to live your life to the fullest? Increase the number of your positive experiences and do more volunteer work. Various studies have linked volunteerism with longevity. This is most likely due to the amazing health benefits of volunteering in our health, from reducing our stress levels to improving our cardiovascular health.
It boosts your self-confidence.
Just as it makes you happier and boosts your mood, volunteering can also enhance your self-esteem. By attending community work, you experience a sense of fulfilment and purpose which makes you feel more confident.
It widens your social connection.
Volunteerism connects you with a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Not only does this give you a rich source of inspiration, it is also an excellent way to develop your interpersonal skills. You get to meet people of different cultures, age, and backgrounds, and learn from them.
Have you taken part in a community or charity work? How was the experience like? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to post a comment below.
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