Curious about the mental and physical benefits of volunteering?
A 2013 study of more than 3000 adults in the U.S. by the UnitedHealth group set out to do just that.
The results can be broadly sorted into physical and mental (or emotional) benefits:
The Physical:
- 25% of people who volunteer feel that it has helped them to manage a chronic illness through physical activity and other factors.
- 76% of people who volunteer say that volunteering has made them feel physically healthier
- 80% of people who volunteer say they feel they have control over their health
- 95% of people who volunteer say that they feel they are helping to make their community a better place
The Mental/Emotional:
- 94% of people who volunteer say that volunteering improves their mood.
- 96% of people say that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life.
- 78% of people who volunteer say that volunteering lowers their stress levels.
- 81% of the employed volunteers who volunteered through their workplace said that volunteering together strengthens relationships among colleagues.
The study also found that volunteering helps to develop transferable skills that can benefit employers and employees alike. Depending on the sector and type of work, volunteers can develop time management skills, improve their inter-personal skills, learn to work as a part of a team, in addition to building other skills useful in a professional environment, including some job-specific skills.
The takeaway? Volunteering can help you to improve not only your community but also yourself. It can help you to feel and live a better life, to provide valuable work experience, and to build professional skills.
Interested in volunteering? Click Here to go to the previous page and get in contact with Alan