Benefits of volunteering, explained
Have you ever thought about volunteering but can’t seem to find the time or a cause that you feel passionate about? Or maybe you have volunteered before, but life got in the way, and it went to the bottom of your to-do list. Besides supporting an important cause, volunteering also has a great impact on our well-being, social connections and even our career. It might be time to give it more thought, find the right opportunity and get back into the volunteer world.
Volunteering can take many forms: it can be a short or long-term commitment; you can donate as much or as little time as you have; and it can be as simple or as complex as you’d like. The most important thing is finding a cause or an organisation that resonates with you and a role that you can fit around your schedule.
How volunteering impacts our well-being
One of the most valuable benefits of volunteering is improving our physical and mental health. Covid-19 highlighted the importance of physical and mental health, to which rivers, river banks and catchments contribute greatly. It increases positive feelings by releasing dopamine, helping with anxiety, stress, and depression. Consequently, it decreases the risk of developing health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Donating your time to others also gives a sense of meaning, appreciation, and purpose, which boost self-confidence and self-esteem. We all know that feel-good sensation of having a positive impact on others.
Working for a cause is also a great way to meet like-minded people, make new friends and build a support system based on common interests. It helps expand our social network, improving our people skills and providing a sense of community, which makes us feel connected and valued. Volunteering allows us to strengthen existing ties and build new relationships.
From personal to professional life, volunteering is the gift that keeps on giving. Starting a career can be difficult when we don’t have enough experience, so getting a volunteer role is a great first step and can help you stand out from the crowd. It gives us experience in a new area, provides the opportunity to learn and develop skills, as well as a valuable insider’s perspective, which can be helpful when trying out a new career before making a long-term commitment. More than that, it’s ideal to network and meet people in the field.
Lastly, doing volunteer work is an enjoyable way to escape from our daily routines. It’s relaxing and energising, besides bringing some much-needed fun to our lives. Imagine leaving a positive impact on the community and on the planet while having a great time. Give it a go, you won’t regret it!
If you’re interested in volunteering for Thames21, check out ways to get involved here.