Are you looking for ways to utilize your free time? Volunteering is a great opportunity to get more involved with your community and explore new interests. Here’s a guide to the personal benefits of volunteering.
The Health Benefits
Volunteering can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For example, it can:
1) Reduce Stress Levels
High stress levels are especially detrimental to your health. Persistent stressors can negatively impact your immune system and interrupt focus. Additionally, long-lasting stress can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other health troubles.
Channeling your energy toward real-world issues has been proven to decrease stress. Adopting a hobby that helps you manage stress better can be monumental to your overall well-being.
2) Feel a Greater Sense of Purpose and Gratitude
When you step back from your own life to give to others, you’re likely to feel a greater sense of purpose. You can find meaning in life by providing for people in your community who are in need, thereby improving your self-worth and self-esteem in turn.
The Social Benefits
Explore how volunteering your time can create new relationships with your community and its members.
1) Build Meaningful Relationships
Most people that volunteer pick an organization with a cause that is meaningful to them. When you dedicate your time to an important cause, you’re going to meet a unique crew of folks who have their own stories as to why they volunteer. You can form strong relationships with the people you volunteer your time with.
2) Feel Connected with Your Community
There are tons of different places to donate or volunteer with that will make a huge difference to your community. Finding one that piques your interest can make you feel more inspired and connected with your surroundings.
The Potential Career Benefits
Did you know volunteering can contribute to your professional life, too? Read about a few career-related reasons why you should consider volunteering.
1) Gain New Skills
While working with a charitable organization, you’re bound to gain new skills that are highly transferrable. From teamwork to problem-solving, you can adopt or improve on a whole repertoire of aptitudes that companies always look for in a candidate.
2) Add to Your Resume
If your resume is lacking, volunteering is a great way to enhance it. Working with a volunteer organization expresses your compassion and dedication to helping others, and it gives you the you to speak on the skills you gained during your time as a volunteer in interviews or other professional settings.
3) Network with Others
As mentioned, sharing your time with charitable organizations is a wonderful way to socialize with people in your community. You’ll meet a wide variety of individuals while volunteering, some with personal connections that could be especially helpful during a career hunt.
Of course, you should also volunteer because you want to help others — and because it’s the right thing to do. So get out there and start volunteering today!
