10 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer

Volunteering can be a great way to enhance your mental health, foster social connections and lay the groundwork for an impressive career. If you’re on the fence about whether volunteering would benefit your life, here are ten reasons why:

As a student, you may feel isolated at times. Volunteering provides an opportunity to connect with people from various backgrounds and develop patience, empathy and communication abilities.

why you should volunteer

1. It’s good for your health

Volunteering is an excellent way to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. Not only does it lower heart and blood pressure, reduce stress, combat depression and boost self-confidence levels; but it has numerous other positive effects as well.

Maintaining good physical health can extend life expectancies. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to build new skills.

Additionally, volunteering can enhance your social life and relationships. It gives you a sense of purpose and makes you happier because we are all hardwired to help others out.

According to a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University, volunteers who had volunteered at least 200 hours each year were 40 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-volunteers. This could be attributed to volunteering’s benefits of keeping you active, relieving stress and lowering blood pressure levels.

2. It’s good for your mental health

Volunteering can be an excellent way to improve your mental wellbeing. It gives you a sense of purpose, reduces anxiety levels and enhances social interaction.

Gain the unique chance to work with a variety of individuals, many of whom are dealing with mental health challenges. You could assist those facing substance abuse issues, grief, depression or anxiety as well as PTSD and homelessness.

Volunteering can take many forms, from sorting food donations at your local food bank to helping organize a fundraising event for mental health organizations. Find the volunteer opportunities that best match your interests and abilities.

Recent research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of volunteering on mental health. Not only does it increase life satisfaction and build social connections, but it may even reduce depression symptoms.

3. It’s good for your social life

Are you seeking to meet new people or deepen existing friendships? Volunteering is an ideal way to do so. Not only will it give you the chance to get to know people with similar interests and values, but who knows? You might even make some lifelong acquaintances!

Volunteering offers you the unique opportunity to experience different cultures and ways of life, which will enhance your social skills. Volunteering can also build self-confidence if you’re shy or fearful when traveling or experiencing other cultures.

Additionally, exercise can keep your mind sharp by forcing you to consider problems from a fresh perspective. This is particularly helpful if you’re having trouble maintaining focus as you age, or have been stuck in a professional rut and want to push yourself beyond what feels comfortable.

It can also provide you with a deeper comprehension of the issues in your field, enabling you to build up an extensive professional network. Furthermore, it could assist in discovering which career path best suits you.

4. It’s good for your career

Volunteering provides numerous advantages that can enhance your professional development and career. It’s an invaluable chance to hone professional skills, connect with new people, and expand your networks.

Hiring managers value experience on a resume, and volunteering is an excellent way to gain it. Additionally, volunteering makes you stand out from other job candidates by demonstrating your dedication to developing skills.

Volunteering can also give you a taste for the field in which you’re interested. For instance, volunteering at a senior’s centre might be an ideal opportunity to gain some insight into what it’s like working as a nurse.

It’s a low-risk way to determine if you want the career in question, and it can give you some confidence if you’re feeling uninspired about your current circumstances.