Volunteer your way to wellbeing

The benefits of being a volunteer

A lot has been said about community-based volunteerism. But as many of us are increasingly time-poor getting people to put their hands up can be problematic.  

Yet volunteering is essential and its benefits often outweigh any help received. And such advantages are not just restricted to adults. Research indicates that children - in particular teenagers that give up their time to help others stand to reap some pretty impressive rewards too.

But should you need a few reasons why volunteering is so good for you, here are some benefits to take into consideration.

1. Making friends

Volunteering is great from a social perspective as spending time with like-minded people generally equates to new friendships. Although parents with young children may feel there is scarce time left for old let alone new friends, meeting new groups of people, particularly as an adult, is important.

2. Feel good-factor

Doing something free of charge for a good cause – whether it’s the school fete, a child’s sports team or charity – generally makes people feel good. Why? Simple. Doing something that helps others makes people feel happy and useful - two emotions that can be elusive but are vital to personal health and wellbeing!

3. Physical benefits

Although some volunteering activities are sedentary many (particularly those involving children’s sport and community groups) are not and parents that get involved can reap physical benefits alongside their kids.

But if-like many parents - time is an issue, perhaps by being a little selective in volunteer activity, staying fit and helping out in the community can be combined into one!?

4. Brain training

Along with helping your physical condition research shows that volunteering as people age may be good for mental fitness - particularly alleviating things like low mood and even lower mortality. 

Although more research is required to understand the exact reasons why, better health and higher life expectancy must be a major drawcard.

5. Career boost

Volunteering is a good, and in some sectors must-have, career attribute. If volunteer activities are chosen a little strategically you may end up doing something that could help on the job front or at least look impressive to list on a resume.

Volunteering and children

According to a US report, there are some equally persuasive reasons why teenagers should volunteer along with mum and dad.

According to the study and based on volunteering for at least an hour a week, youth are 50 % less likely to; abuse alcohol or cigarettes, become pregnant or engage in other so-called destructive behaviours.

Along with being perceived more favourably by society, young people that are involved in volunteerism early in life may also benefit by:

• Gaining a strong work ethic
• Developing a sense of compassion, patience and empathy for others
• Better understanding of people/groups within a community – including those different from their own
• Expanding upon leadership skills

On top of this, encouraging volunteering in teenagers may also help society as these children are three times more likely to take up volunteering when they become adults.