Helping Yourself While Helping Others
Helping Yourself While Helping Others
Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations. They give of their time and labor and expect very little in return. For most of us live is so hectic it is difficult to even think about finding time in our busy schedules to volunteer. But the truth is there are benefits to volunteering not just for your community, but for you and your family as well.
Volunteer opportunities can help you find new friends, learn new skills, improve your community, and volunteering can help advance your career. Some research shows that volunteering can also protect your physical and mental health.
Expand Your Social Network
Volunteering can improve your personal relationships and help you develop new relationships. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen relationships with old ones is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering in a new area is a great way to meet new people. Volunteering can broaden your support network, strengthen your ties to your local community and afford opportunities for you to work alongside people with common interests.
Perfect or Learn a New Skill
Perfect or Learn a New Skill
Volunteering can give you the opportunity to practice skills and learn new skills that can help you in the workplace. Teamwork, organization, time management, effective communication or problem solving are all skills used not only at work but in our everyday lives in general. Volunteering provides an opportunity for you to strengthen those skills and use them to benefit your career and your community.
Lower Risk of Depression
Lower Risk of Depression
Volunteering can greatly benefit your mental health. Volunteering increases self-confidence, self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. Doing things for others and your community provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Volunteering can combat depression by helping you develop relationships and build strong support systems reducing your risk for social isolation.
