Volunteering is good for you.
Studies are showing that there are many benefits of volunteering, both for our communities and organizations, and for individual volunteers. Volunteering brings people together for a common cause and enables organizations to deliver needed services to the community. In fact, recent statistics show that 79% of Canadians age 15+ volunteered, giving an estimated 2.5 billion hours, which equals 2.5 million jobs!
More importantly, volunteering is good for us, with mental, physical and social benefits. Volunteers report having more positive self-esteem, improvement in depression and reduction of anxiety. Volunteering for a cause we believe in helps to give us meaning and purpose, with feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. Our physical health can be impacted as we become more active, and volunteering might help us live longer. Socially we benefit from a sense of community, a positive social network, and more friendships.
Volunteering has been challenging over the past few years due to the impact of COVID. Older adults, who actually give the most number of volunteer hours each year, stopped volunteering due to health and safety concerns and some haven’t gone back. Organizations across the country are acknowledging that volunteerism is down, which means organizations are struggling, and individuals are not reaping the benefits of giving to their communities.
Our psychotherapist and Naturopathic Doctors may suggest volunteering as part of your treatment plan, both to benefit your physical and mental health, increase your social support, and to benefit the community. Is there a cause you believe in? Is there an organization you’d like to support?
Maybe it’s time to reach out!
Source:
Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A., and Haighton, C. Exploring the effects of volunteering on the social, mental, and physical health and well-being of volunteers: An umbrella review. International Society for Third Sector Research. April 17, 2023.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z
