It’s obvious that volunteering can be a huge benefit for the person or community on the receiving end. However, did you know that you, as a volunteer, can also benefit?
Whether you’re helping out at a local animal shelter, participating in a community clean-up, or giving your time to a faith-based organization, volunteering benefits a whole universe of people, from you the volunteer, to the people you help, to your entire community. It’s a truly enriching and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Mental and Physical Health Benefits
Think about the last time you volunteered. How did you feel afterward? Chances are, you probably felt that post-volunteer glow, even if you were physically tired out. That’s because volunteer work can improve your mental health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, and lift your mood, according to many studies. There’s some science behind this effect, too. It’s called “helper’s high,” which refers to that feeling of euphoria and energy you get when you do an act of kindness. When you volunteer, your brain releases dopamine and endorphins. These natural chemicals are associated with happiness and well-being. Plus, volunteering can give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Knowing you made a real difference in someone’s life is a powerful feeling. It can bolster your self-esteem and make you feel capable.
Volunteering is good for your physical health, too. Lots of volunteer activities involve physical labor—for example, building a home, cleaning up a beach, or canvassing door-to-door. All of these are great forms of exercise that can improve your cardiovascular health. By staying active and socially engaged, volunteers often experience better overall physical health and well-being.
Building Community and Making Friends
Volunteering builds communities. When you come together with others to work toward a common goal, you as a group create a feeling of solidarity and shared purpose. This collective effort can be the thread that binds together a more cohesive community, where people have more trust in each other and can see the possibilities in working together to solve problems.
In addition to building community, volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to make new friends and expand your social networks. Working beside people who care about the same things you do is a natural way to form meaningful connections. In other words, if you’re feeling lonely, try volunteering! For many people, the friendships formed through volunteering become an essential part of their support system and a source of joy and fulfillment.
Gaining Professional Experience and New Skills
One of the most practical benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to gain professional experience and develop new skills. If you’re just starting your career, volunteering can help you build your resume, get some hands-on experience (sometimes literally), and demonstrate your commitment to community service. You can explore different fields and career interests through volunteering as well. Interested in sustainability? Volunteer with a conservation organization. Want to be a teacher? Join a volunteer organization that tutors non-English speakers in English as a second language. Through volunteering, you can discover new passions and cultivate skills that will serve you well throughout your entire career, like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
Even if you’re at a more senior level in your career, volunteering can offer opportunities for growth and development. You can learn new skills, take on leadership roles, and expand your network. Additionally, the experience gained through volunteering can be an excellent way to launch your second career, pivot to a new field, or to stay active during retirement.
Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life
At its core, volunteering means contributing to something greater than yourself—and that’s the main way we as humans find purpose and meaning in life. In this way, volunteering can offer a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. It’s a way to define and live out your values, plus leave a legacy you can be proud of.
It’s incredibly common in modern life to struggle with feelings of emptiness and a lack of direction. In a society where we are urged to pursue material success above almost everything else, lots of people wonder, “What’s it all for?” Volunteering offers a path to finding that purpose by connecting with others, making an actual difference, and being part of something beyond your own immediate horizon. If that’s not a powerful antidote to isolation and aimlessness, nothing is.