5 Benefits of Volunteering

You may be surprised to learn just how many benefits there are to volunteering. You make friends, learn new skills, and find fulfillment along the way.
 
Studies have also shown that people feel like they have more time and better life balance when engaged in a volunteer role.
 
Here are 5 ways that volunteering can impact your life.


1. You make strong connections

Volunteering for an organization is one of the best ways to expand your social network and make friends. Not only do you improve lives and create long-lasting relationships, you become part of a community of people who share your desire to make a difference. Working together to help others sparks joy and boosts your self-esteem.

 

2. Find new purpose

Take having alopecia for example- It’s easy to get bogged down thinking of it as an uncontrollable condition. However, these thoughts don’t have to get in the way of finding a purpose for your alopecia. Perhaps your journey can help someone else find their confidence, or maybe you’re passionate about creating a better world. Whatever it is, volunteering may help you find this sense of purpose and make you think differently about your alopecia.

 

3. Relieve stress and anxiety

Volunteering releases hormones that promote feelings of happiness and success. As we put less focus on our everyday problems and more on giving back, we can end up with less stress, more sleep, and overall better health. Not to mention, a small act of kindness is one of the surest ways to put a smile on your face! Volunteering with others also helps fight off loneliness and depression.

 

4. Gain knowledge and understanding

There is a lot to be gained from seeing life through another person’s eyes. You grow your knowledge and view of the world which can in turn, help you navigate some of your hardest moments. You also can hone new skills and gain experience that help you in your career.

 

5. Grow your self-confidence

One of the beautiful things about volunteering is that you create space for confidence and self-love to grow. You surround yourself with like-minded people, and together lay the foundation for change. As the community grows and you see how cherished your efforts are, your confidence also flourishes. At the end of the day, you’re able to do more because you’ve attained new skills, feel proud of your accomplishments, and have a strong support system at your back.