5 Ways Volunteering is Good for You

You know that volunteering helps people in need but did you know that it can help you too? It’s been scientifically proven that volunteering helps your wellbeing, both physical and mental.

Volunteering offers benefits to people of any age, according to a blog on the Volunteers Hub. Volunteering as a family can help children learn about helping others in their community and to be more empathetic. Teens and young adults can gain new perspectives and the skills needed for college and beyond.

Adults can connect with causes they are passionate about.  Seniors who volunteer are able to get out in the community and to have a sense of purpose. This helps combat social isolation and loneliness.

While many people volunteer on Good Deeds Day, you don’t have to wait until April to begin to reap the benefits. Here are five feel-good benefits of helping others.

Being generous increases happiness
People who give their time or money are happier and healthier than people who don’t, according to a news release from the University of Sydney in Australia. In fact, “Volunteering keeps you in a positive mood and can help lift you out of a negative mood,” Dr Rebecca Pinkus, lecturer in psychological statistics, said in the news release. That’s because helping others triggers the feel-good neurotransmitters oxytocin and vasopressin from what is called the reward pathway of the brain. Being empathetic increases the level of oxytocin in your blood and that makes it much more likely that you will continue to be generous.

Increases life satisfaction
Satisfaction with life is related to living a life with purpose and meaning. This is backed up by the OECD Better Life Index – founded in 2011 by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development – which identifies wellbeing across countries. The index found that volunteers tend to have more satisfaction in their lives because of their interaction with other people and by achieving goals.

Promotes a sense of belonging
Volunteering is a way to promote strong social networks and communities, according to the university’s news release. This occurs because of what is known as prosocial behavior,  when you are helping others by volunteering or donating. Helping others connects you to your community and builds positive relationships with others. This is especially meaningful for both teens – who are finding their way – and seniors.

Volunteers are 29 percent less likely to feel disconnected from their peers, according to The Volunteers Hub, and 35 percent of volunteers say that socialization is a big part of why they are giving service.

Gives you a sense of purpose
When you are having a positive impact on the world, you feel happier and more engaged. There’s no better way to do this than by volunteering. When you do hands-on work, you can see the impact you are making. It is much more satisfying to give time rather than just writing a check. Giving people a sense of purpose can help reduce mental health illnesses, like depression and PTSD.

Could Improve physical health 

Helping others could also improve your physical health including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and chronic pain, according to the University of Sydney. “When we’re helping others we’re more likely to feel good about ourselves which is, not surprisingly, a positive contributor to mental health. Mental and physical health are highly correlated so when we’re psychologically well, we’re also more likely to be physically well,” alumnus Dr. Tim Sharp who is known as “Dr. Happy” said in the news release.