If you’re considering volunteering, your health may not be the main reason. Nevertheless, the satisfaction of helping others may not be the only good you gain from the experience. The act of volunteering to help others may actually benefit your health and wellness.
What Are the Health Benefits of Volunteering?
- Broader social network. Staying social is good for your mental health, especially as you age. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share your interests.
- Enhanced mental wellbeing. Being a volunteer can help reduce your risk of anxiety and depression. That’s due, in part, to how the brain responds to volunteering. When you volunteer, the brain produces hormones, such as dopamine, that boost your mood.
- Higher happiness levels. A 2020 study by researchers in the United Kingdom found that volunteering increased participants’ happiness over time. In addition, people who volunteered at least monthly reported better mental health than less frequent volunteers.
- Longer lifespan. Volunteering has been linked with helping individuals live longer.
- Lower blood pressure. Volunteering may help reduce blood pressure, perhaps by increasing physical activity and lowering stress. That’s important because high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- More movement. Volunteering may help you increase your activity level, depending on the type of service.
- Stress relief. Donating your time to others can help you reduce stress.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteering has many advantages and there are things to keep in mind to ensure it’s a right fit for you. For example, you may find that, for one reason or another, the experience of volunteering doesn’t live up to your expectations. If your chosen service opportunity doesn’t match your goals or abilities, it may also turn out to be more strenuous or complex than you anticipated. However, if you do your homework and choose a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you, the benefits are likely to far outweigh the drawbacks.
Consider These Before Volunteering
- Organizational match. Ensure the organization and its mission align with your interests and values. The role you take on should be a good match for your skills. To find out what the volunteer experience is like, visit the organization, interview with the volunteer coordinator or talk with other volunteers before you start.
- Personal expectations. Think about what you hope to get out of volunteering. Does the organization or role you’re interested in seem likely to meet your expectations?
- Time commitment. How much time are you willing to devote to volunteering?
- Transportation. Do you have a reliable way to get to the organization to fulfill your volunteer commitments?
- Your comfort level around groups of people. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, be sure to consider whether you’re comfortable interacting with people in groups or close settings, if a volunteer position calls for it. Additionally, take time to learn about the organization’s health and safety protocols.
Finding a Volunteer Opportunity Near You
Volunteer opportunities abound, from local food banks and health care organizations to conservation groups and animal shelters. There are many ways you can find an opportunity that interests you, including:
- Asking friends who volunteer
- Checking out websites dedicated to listing volunteer opportunities or matching individuals with specific skills to nonprofits looking for volunteers
- Researching organizations that interest you online
Wherever you choose to volunteer, your health stands to benefit.
Read more
How You Can Improve Community Health
Medically reviewed by Mariellen Synan, Community Outreach Manager, University of Maryland Medical Center – Midtown Campus.
