The Powerful and Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering on Mental Health
Find Out How Volunteering Gives Back to You!
First of all, this is a blog originally written on the Advancing Youth Voice blog.
You can read the full blog here 👇🏾
When we hear the word volunteer, most of us think of giving our time and energy to a good cause without expecting anything in return.
And while it’s true that volunteers don’t typically seek out opportunities for personal gain, studies have shown that volunteering can actually have some powerful and unexpected benefits on mental health.
For example, volunteers often report increased satisfaction with their work, a sense of purpose, social connectivity, and the development of valuable skills. In fact, clinical studies have shown that volunteering regularly can improve mental health and personal satisfaction.
One of the reasons why volunteering can be so beneficial for mental health is because it gives individuals a chance to contribute to something outside of themselves.
This can be particularly helpful for reducing feelings of loneliness or isolation.
And in these times of physical distancing, virtual opportunities are available for people to stay actively connected to causes they support while still benefiting from increased mental horizons.
Of course, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges associated with volunteering before engaging in it.
For instance, volunteers might feel overwhelmed or even taken advantage of if they take on too much responsibility.
That’s why it’s important to set goals for each task and remain connected to the motivator behind their participation.
If you’re interested in finding volunteer opportunities, many resources are available.
I am currently a volunteer at Advancing Youth Voice
They are a youth-led organization dedicated to empowering young people to become leaders in their communities.
Local organizations and charities always need volunteers, and numerous online listings can help connect you with a cause you care about.
Here are a few websites where you can find places to volunteer:
These websites offer various volunteer opportunities based on your interests and location, allowing you to search for specific causes or organizations that align with your values.
You can also talk to family and friends to see if they know of any organizations that could use your help.
No matter how you volunteer, remember that giving back to your community can also benefit you in ways you never expected.
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