Published on September 12, 2022
Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering
Whether you’re looking to give back to your community or would like something to keep you busy, volunteering is an excellent way to help organizations in your area, as well as your mental health. Learn how volunteering can boost your mental health below.
If you have a lot of spare time, you may be looking for something to give you a purpose. Volunteering can help you get out of bed in the morning and look forward to helping others. Whether you’re retired or live alone, volunteering is a good way to improve your life satisfaction and self-esteem.
Most likely, you aren’t the only volunteer giving their time to an organization. By working with others, you can socialize and make new friendships. Your mental health will benefit from laughing, talking and being near other people. You may even make lifelong friendships.
You can simply just feel happy for donating your time to an organization that needs it. Whether you’re volunteering alone, with a friend or with your family, you can feel good about helping others. Volunteering for a cause that you believe in can help you feel passionate about it and overall, happy that you decided to volunteer for it.
You may learn new skills during your volunteering depending on the organization. Learning opportunities stimulates your brain by letting yourself understand new things. You may even be able to use those skills outside of volunteering.
- Gives you something to look forward to
You may have a lot of fun volunteering and it becomes something you’re excited to participate in. Giving yourself something to look forward to encourages you to keep going and enjoy your life.
Photo: ©iStock.com/DragonImages
