In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We often find ourselves constantly busy with work, family, and other obligations, leaving little time for ourselves let alone for others. However, volunteering can be a great way to find purpose, connection, and balance amidst a busy lifestyle.
Many of us are aware of the need to find balance in our busy lives. However, being absorbed in our own little world can throw off this balance. With our busy work schedules and other commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. By volunteering, we can step away from our daily routines and concentrate on something beyond ourselves. Even if you volunteer for just one hour per week, it can make a significant difference to your well being. You can pick up and deliver a grocery store order, deliver a dinner order, bring an aging neighbor to a doctor appointment, or visit a lonely homebound senior. Taking a break from our busy worlds can help us gain a new perspective as well as help renew our energy and motivation.
Benefits of Volunteering
Improved Physical and Mental Health
One of the most surprising benefits of volunteering is improved physical and mental health for the volunteer. Volunteering can help reduce stress and improve mood by providing a sense of purpose and social support for others. It can also encourage longevity. This study found those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate and showed volunteering appears to reduce risk of death by 25 percent!
Provides Purpose
Volunteering also brings a sense of purpose to our lives. Volunteering our time and energy to help others can provide us with a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insight into our own values and beliefs.
Foster Fulfilment
Volunteering can also help us find a sense of meaning and fulfillment, as we see the positive impact we’re making in the world. Whether it’s driving an aging neighbor to an important doctor appointment or giving a caregiver a much needed break, volunteering can be a great way to give back and make a difference in the community.
Cultivate Connections
Another benefit of volunteering is the connections we can make with others. If you came to our recent Volunteer Appreciation Happy Hour you know how easy it to meet new people who share the same interest and appreciation for our aging neighbors. Volunteering can lead to new friendships and relationships that we might not have otherwise had the opportunity to form.
Cultivate Community
Additionally, volunteering can help us connect with our community, as we work to improve the lives of those around us. Volunteering works toward building a sense of belonging, connectedness, and mutual support within the neighborhoods and communities we live.
While it may seem difficult to find time to volunteer in the midst of a busy lifestyle, the benefits are too great to ignore.
Would you like to enjoy the benefits that volunteering can bring? Whether it’s an hour a week or a few hours a month, volunteering can be a meaningful and rewarding way to spend your time. Join our volunteer team today!