Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of others. But did you know how much “giving back” benefits you?
Decrease your risk of depression. Volunteering with and for others increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common commitment and interests—both of which have been shown to decrease depression.
Enjoy a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Volunteering increases your self-confidence.
Stay mentally and physically active. A 2009 study by Johns Hopkins University revealed that volunteers increased their brain functioning. Volunteering get you moving and thinking at the same time.
Increase your feeling of calm. By savoring your time spent in service to others, you’ll feel a sense of meaning and appreciation—both given and received—which can be calming.
Increase your happiness. You know that feel-good sense you get after a vigorous workout? It comes from a release of dopamine in the brain. Helping others has that same effect—so the more you volunteer, the happier you become.
Adapted from an article on the aarp.org website.