The Benefits of Volunteering in Your Community
People with hectic schedules tend to struggle to find time for volunteering. The good thing about volunteering is that it does not have to be an everyday activity or a long-term commitment. If you can squeeze it into your to-do list, you will discover that doing charity work has enormous benefits.
Here are some of the top benefits of volunteering in your community.
It Combats Loneliness
At some point in life, loneliness does kick in. For some people, the condition is so severe that it makes them stressed. A smart way to combat your loneliness is by volunteering, as it allows you to interact with others even if you have no close friends.
Improves Mental Health
Volunteering is known to help people who suffer from depression, low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. When individuals with these conditions volunteer, they feel connected to others and develop a sense of purpose. This results in improved social function and decreased symptoms.
Gaining Career Experience
When you volunteer, you get an opportunity to try out a new career or advance your skills. In some fields, you can volunteer at the organization that deals with your desired job. For example, if you want to become a doctor, you could volunteer at a community hospital.
It Improves Physical Health
Besides improving your mental health, volunteering also enhances your physical wellbeing. Several studies indicate that people who dedicate their time to charity tend to have lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan than those who do not volunteer.
It Stops Rumination
Idling usually causes rumination and other negative thoughts. Volunteering distracts you from your problems and gives you a more profound sense of perspective. By helping people in need, you discover that your life is not as bad as you think.
It Builds Self-confidence
Taking care of others and the community gives you a sense of accomplishment. Working as a volunteer makes you proud of your achievements and boosts your self-confidence by taking you outside your comfort zone.
It Lowers the Risk of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s diseases has increased globally in recent years. However, studies now indicate volunteering makes you less susceptible to dementia. When you do charity, it improves the elasticity of your brain cells. This enables you to maintain the connections that often break down and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
It Helps Reduce Weight Gain
Most people lead sedentary lifestyles. The risks associated with reduced physical activity include obesity, stress, mental illness, and joint points. Even if you do a project that is not physically demanding, you make some movements. This helps in avoiding excess weight gain.
It Connects You to Others
One of the best ways to start or strengthen friendships is by committing to shared activity, and volunteering makes this possible. For instance, when you move to a new community, you can meet your new neighbors through volunteering. Moreover, it connects you to people who share similar interests and passions.
Conclusion
Volunteering has numerous benefits – it improves one’s physical and mental health, connects you to others, betters your career prospects, and gives a sense of purpose.
Before starting, choose a field that matches your passions so that you enjoy and stay committed to the course. Keep in mind that volunteering can be a one-off or a routine activity, depending on your preference.
