Is it just me, or does it seem like the world is getting busier? With so much happening every day of every week, finding the time or energy to add volunteering to your life may be challenging. Research has shown that while 90% of us want to volunteer, only 1 out of 4 actually do. But believe it or not, there are benefits to volunteering! Volunteers provide crucial help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and our community.
What are other benefits of volunteering, you may ask? Well, hang on because we are taking this volunteer submarine down deeper to take a closer look at four benefits of volunteering.
Benefit #1 – Volunteering connects you to your community and others.
This is one of the most well-known benefits of volunteering. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Depending on the organization, even the easiest of tasks can make a huge difference. Giving your time as a volunteer helps you to make new friends, expand your network, and increase your social skills.
Benefit #2 – Volunteering is good for the body and mind.
Volunteering provides many benefits to both your mental and physical health. Volunteering helps to lower the effects of stress, anxiety, and anger. Volunteering can increase your self-confidence. Helping others and your community provides a sense of purpose, which in turn can give you a sense of pride and identity. Volunteering can also help you stay physically fit! Volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to deal with everyday tasks, have lower blood pressure, and have better critical thinking skills.
Benefit #3 – Volunteering can help your career.
If you are thinking of a new career path, volunteering can help you get more experience in your area of interest. Plus, you will be able to meet new people in the field you are interested in. Volunteering can teach valuable job skills such as teamwork, communication, project planning, organization, and more. Volunteering also gives you the ability to learn new things. For example, when volunteering with Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, you are likely to learn about different types of plants, animals, the watershed, how to care for the land, and so much more! Volunteering also gives you a chance to test new things out. Think you want to work with kids; after volunteering, you may say “Yes! This is it!” or you may rethink your career choice. That’s just one of the many great things about volunteering.
Benefit #4 – Volunteering brings a sense of fulfillment and happiness into your life.
Volunteering can be a fun and easy way to explore new interests and passions you may have. Finding volunteer work that you enjoy and find meaningful can be energizing and give you a chance to be creative and more motivated.
Now that we have gone over these amazing benefits, isn’t it time to get outside and volunteer? If not now, when?
Visit Conservation Foundation’s volunteer page HERE to learn more about the types of opportunities we have available, and how you can get involved. We hope to see you soon!
