“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn

Volunteering can provide many surprising and unexpected benefits to both your mental as well as your physical health. With the fast-paced busy life, it can be extremely hard to find the time to give back to the community. However, the benefits of volunteering are huge and even better for the person who is volunteering. Volunteering also does not require massive commitment; you can give back in simple, less time-consuming ways as well.

Here are some benefits of volunteering that might inspire you to start volunteering soon:

• Volunteering Helps in gaining confidence and self-esteem

In today’s world, where most of us suffer from low confidence and low self-esteem, volunteering can be a blessing. Volunteering can make you build a sense of achievement and trying something new will definitely boost your confidence. Feelings of self-worth are developed when you volunteer since you are making a difference while stepping out of your comfort zone to learn new skills and knowledge.

• Making a difference

Volunteering is valuable and can have an extremely positive impact on people. Helping people without wanting something in return can really make a huge difference. Volunteering changes the life of both – the volunteer as well as the person the volunteer is helping out. So many people need help, and coming together to help the people and solving their problems can make a huge difference.

• Socializing

Volunteering can help you socialize and meet various types of people from all walks of life. You can be a part of a wholesome community and develop great bonds with people as working together will help you build strong connections. The benefits of volunteering can be shown quickly socially and have a very powerful impact on your life. Socializing in volunteering can improve your brain functions as well as lower the risk for depression and anxiety. Loneliness and social isolation can be extremely harmful and volunteering can help you get out of your lonely bubble.

• Learning new skills & gaining knowledge

Volunteering can really help you build new skills and experiences which can help you build self-confidence. Getting out of your comfort zone and taking up new challenges and trying different things can actually allow you to see your hidden talents.

• Active Lifestyle

With more people having to sit by the screen all day for their jobs, our lifestyle has become sedentary. There are several risks involved with such a sedentary lifestyle. When we volunteer, we lead a more active lifestyle.

• You will have fun too

The majority of the volunteers tend to have a great time.

• Increased Happiness and Better Mental Health

Stress levels decrease when you volunteer and there are various mental health benefits as well. Volunteering also improves well-being and helps people cope and makes them happier. Volunteering also allows graceful ageing and keeps people young and fit.

• Stand out on job applications and advance your career

You can land a great job/college if you choose to volunteer. Volunteering can make you have an edge over other people and you are more likely to be chosen if you have put in hours into volunteering.

Conclusion

Thinking about the benefits of volunteering can be a great start in finding an opportunity for you. If you are confused about getting yourself involved in a new volunteer experience or have doubts about whether or not volunteering is right for you, you might find yourself surprised at how much you can benefit from taking this initiative. You can change your life and the lives of others when you volunteer. The more you volunteer, the more you will realize the inspirational and unexpected benefits.