Health Benefits of Giving Back and Volunteering
November 17, 2022 | Tags:
Dedicating your time to helping others is a wonderful way to make a difference. Whether you’re volunteering through your workplace or a philanthropic organization in your community, being a part of something greater than yourself is a worthwhile way to spend your time. As a bonus, it can also benefit your personal health and well-being. Big or small, your actions can have a noticeable effect on yourself and others.
Volunteering and its impact on health
Participating in meaningful activities and seeing the impact you are having on others has been proven to benefit mental health. Volunteering releases “feel good” chemicals in your brain, like serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. These regulate your mood and generate feelings of happiness, pleasure and a sense of connection with others. Volunteering is a great way to reduce feelings of loneliness through building and maintaining relationships with community members.
Volunteering also impacts physical health, particularly in older adults, by increasing physical activity and contributing to mental stimulation. It reduces anxiety and stress, lowering your risk of health issues like heart disease, stroke and depression.
Providing a sense of purpose
When you give back, especially to an area of the community or to a population that you are passionate about, you are given a sense of purpose. Volunteering is a great way to get back into an old hobby, pursue an interest or utilize skills. Are you a former athlete or have a passion for sports? Consider coaching at a nearby school or church. Do you have a love for animals? Shelters are often in need of volunteers and fosters. Do you have a knack for being handy with tools? Offer to repair structures in your community or connect with organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
Whatever your passions may be, finding a way to pursue them while giving back can give them a brand-new meaning and add joy to your life.
Ways to volunteer
Regardless of where you live, there are many ways to volunteer and give back to your community. Whether you volunteer consistently or are just starting out, there are countless organizations that can always use an extra helping hand. Consider dedicating your time to the following in your area:
- Visiting seniors at a local senior center or nursing home.
- Offering to deliver meals or help with yard work for senior neighbors.
- Volunteering to collect, organize or hand out items at a local food bank.
- Helping with local efforts to keep parks and public spaces in your area clean.
- Looking into tutoring opportunities or becoming a mentor to a child or teen.
For more ideas and to see how Medical Mutual gives back to the community, check out our Community Outreach page.