How Volunteering Helps To Promote Your Health In 10 Ways
Volunteers worldwide make a significant impact on the lives of others every day. Interestingly, volunteers also reap numerous benefits for themselves while assisting others.
Volunteering, whether it’s physical, mental, social, or emotional, provides a plethora of advantages. Let’s delve into how volunteering contributes to promoting your health in ten distinctive ways.
1. Enhanced Longevity
Regular volunteering is linked to a longer lifespan. Engaging in volunteer work not only improves physical and mental well-being but also contributes to overall health, potentially extending your life expectancy.
2. Improved Mood
Volunteering can considerably boost your mood by providing a sense of purpose and happiness. Witnessing the positive impact of your actions on others and the environment fosters a rewarding and uplifting feeling.
3. Enhanced Fitness and Activity Levels
Depending on the nature of your volunteer work, you may experience increased physical activity and social interaction, leading to improved fitness levels. Many volunteer tasks involve physical movements that contribute to meeting recommended fitness goals.
Image by Daniel Reche via Pixabay.
4. Reduced Risk of Depression
Engaging in outdoor volunteer activities surrounded by other volunteers can effectively lower feelings of isolation and depressive symptoms. Collaborating with a group and interacting frequently with others can offer emotional support and reduce the likelihood of depression.
5. Increased Exposure to Vitamin D
Volunteering outdoors exposes you to sunlight, resulting in heightened vitamin D levels. This exposure offers numerous health benefits, including improved mental health, cancer prevention, strong bones, and potential relief for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Image by Anna Shvets via Pexels.[/caption>
6. Stress Reduction
Volunteering is proven to alleviate stress levels by providing a temporary reprieve from daily concerns. Immersing yourself in volunteer work allows you to focus on the present moment and promotes relaxation by diverting your mind from personal worries.
7. Lower Blood Pressure
Integrating volunteering into your routine can lead to reduced blood pressure levels. Engaging in physical activities while volunteering can instill a sense of well-being, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices that contribute to lower blood pressure.
8. Alleviation of Chronic Pain
Participating in active volunteer work that involves moving joints and muscles not typically utilized can help alleviate chronic pain. Engaging in varied physical activities strengthens bones and muscles, potentially mitigating painful symptoms.
9. Building Lasting Connections
Volunteering enables the formation of enduring relationships. Establishing friendships with like-minded individuals fosters happiness and enhances mental well-being. Interacting with both fellow volunteers and those being helped can offer motivation and a sense of fulfillment.
10. Increased Life Satisfaction
An improvement in health resulting from volunteering often correlates with a higher life satisfaction. Finding purpose in your actions fosters gratitude and enhances the overall quality of life.
Enjoy These Health Benefits Even Amidst a Pandemic
Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic and social distancing measures, there are still ways to engage in volunteering. Here are some suggestions for volunteering during this time:
- Adhere to social distancing guidelines and ensure your health before volunteering in group settings.
- Participate in contactless volunteer activities such as delivering meals or groceries to vulnerable individuals.
- Provide social support by making phone calls or sending cards to elderly friends or family members.
- Consider donating blood, as blood drive participation has decreased during the pandemic.
- Support individuals financially, particularly those facing unemployment.
[caption id="attachment_15619" align="aligncenter" width="969"]
Image by C Technical via Pexels.
Do not let the pandemic hinder your altruistic efforts!
Volunteer for Your Health
To enhance your health, longevity, and fulfillment in life, seek out volunteer opportunities in your community. The benefits you gain from volunteering can be as rewarding for you as they are for those you assist.
Author Bio
Jane, an environmental writer, is the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co, where she focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly living.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’//connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js’);
fbq('init', '1659360370986360');
fbq('track', "PageView");
Featured Image by RODNAE Productions via Pexels
