Volunteer. Your Health Will Thank You For It
Posted: 19th Mar 2020
Not only does the charity sector have a huge impact on our social environment, there are several benefits for those who volunteer their time. Evidence suggests the benefits of volunteering are immense and can touch all aspects of our life. From the sense of fulfilment that comes with being involved in meaningful activity, improved cognitive function, and increased social interaction.
Meaningful work and contribution to society are both necessary for a person’s well-being. Studies have repeatedly shown that volunteers, no matter their age, gain a sense of purpose and improved quality of life through their volunteering activities. Volunteering has also been associated with increased confidence and sense of achievement.
Photo by Brian Yurasits
Volunteering has also been shown to have a significant positive impact on an individual’s satisfaction with both the amount and use of their leisure time, and many volunteers, especially young people, consider volunteering a time to have fun and make new friends. Volunteering is fundamentally a social activity. Not only do volunteers form relationships with each other and the volunteering organisation, but they also interact with other members of the community. Evidence suggests a positive link between volunteering and social well-being and it promotes socialising with people from different backgrounds, allowing the volunteer to discover different cultures and ways of life.
Photo by Perry Grone
If you have the ability to volunteer your time towards a cause that gets you outside – do it! It has been found that hands-on interaction with nature can help individuals suffering from mental illness to reintegrate into society. Those who exercise in an outdoor setting experience improvement in moods, restoration and the calming effect of nature. So if you struggle with mental health issues, put on some old jeans and find an allotment and get connected to nature.
Photo by Anne Earl
A wealth of research suggests that volunteering is no longer an activity that needs to be entirely philanthropic. By giving our time and energy to others, we can benefit too – psychologically, cognitively, socially, and physically. Volunteering is good for everyone involved, regardless of age.
