5 Health Benefits of Volunteering

Have you seen other people volunteering but never thought much about doing it yourself?

You may be surprised to find out just how many ways that volunteering can benefit your overall health.

Whether you suffer from stress, are struggling with your weight, or simply want to live for longer, read on to discover the five health benefits of volunteering. Plus, how to get involved in your local area.

Volunteering can reduce stress

If you are one of the many people in the United States who suffer from high levels of stress, you will be pleased to hear that volunteering can actively help to combat this problem.

Not only are there many volunteering opportunities outside in the fresh air, which will instantly lower your stress levels, but they also provide a healthy outlet for any frustrations or stresses that you have.

If you are a business owner who struggles with stress, then year-end giving can also help you feel better and is great for saving money on your taxes!

Volunteering can combat depression

If you have experienced depressive episodes in the past or you are struggling with depression at the moment, then volunteering can help to boost your mood and ease your symptoms.

Many people who suffer from depression hide themselves away from others, which can make this mental health condition even worse. However, when you commit to being a volunteer, you will be forced to surround yourself with others and you get the opportunity to make new friends.

Volunteering can aid in weight loss

There are so many community projects that involve getting your hands dirty and being physically active. Therefore, if you would like to lose a few pounds or you want to be more active, then simply choose a volunteering project that requires a lot of hard graft.

It can be a good idea to look out for any local green spaces or environmental groups that need helpers. For example, you may be able to help lower your community’s carbon footprint by planting new trees.

Volunteering can tackle insomnia

Insomnia is a widespread problem in the United States, with around 1 in 3 people experiencing occasional insomnia and 1 in 10 suffering from chronic insomnia.

If you struggle to fall asleep at night or you often wake in the middle of the night with your mind racing, then volunteering may be able to help you.

Not only can volunteering all day wear you out and make you more than ready to drift off but the act of giving something back can also help to banish any negative thoughts that force their way into your head and prevent you from staying asleep.

Volunteering can make you live longer

Studies show that people who are happy and satisfied with their lives tend to live longer than people who are not. With the ability to bring fun and fulfillment into your life, volunteering offers a great way to boost your mental and physical health and aid longevity.

As mentioned earlier, it can also help to combat loneliness, which is a contributing factor in early mortality rates.

How to get involved in volunteering: