Enhance Your Happiness by Volunteering
There is nothing more beneficial to a community than the work of volunteers contributing their time and efforts. Recent research has suggested that the volunteers also benefit and experience improved mental health during their endeavor. As this month is National Volunteer Month, we want to explain some of the history of volunteering, why it’s needed, and how it can increase your own happiness.
People at a volunteer event
A Brief History of Volunteering
The benefits of volunteerism over history have been significant. Organized volunteering began during big battles of wars to help wounded soldiers. During the 12th century in Britain, volunteers operated over 500 hospitals.
However, people were more than likely helping each other and providing support since the beginning of man.
The invention of the internet has brought the largest revolution in volunteering. Organizations and individuals can connect worldwide and present opportunities on attractive websites to entice more volunteer practices.
Across the country, there are not enough paid employees to take care of all the needs of our communities. Many non-profits operate without any paid staff, and most organizations could not fulfill their mission without the hard work of their volunteers.
Volunteering: A Win-Win Situation
The volunteers are rewarded by connecting to their community and its residents. Small tasks performed by volunteers can make large impacts on people’s lives, organizations, and the lives of animals. Not only can volunteering be fun and fulfilling, but it can also be a great place for teaching and advancing a career.
A person who demonstrates leadership skills is valuable in volunteer situations. A person who volunteers must be flexible, be a problem-solver, and must take the initiative to move forward with a plan. This skill enhances volunteer tasks with the mid-life or the senior-aged population's experience and provides a safe learning arena for the younger or college-aged people.
Volunteering: Its Myriad of Benefits
People who begin volunteering to experience the rewards of helping others are also emotionally and socially connected to something meaningful. Since volunteering can also provide this sense of purpose in one’s life, there are many health benefits.
People who can experience a strong sense of purpose are less likely to experience strokes, heart attacks, or other health-related hardships. A strong sense of purpose can also lower a person’s chance of being afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists have conducted impressive studies to investigate whether volunteering creates happiness for people or if happy people are the ones who volunteer. Studies have also reviewed if people are more comfortable volunteering with an organization or self-volunteering. The results were conclusive–it seems it doesn’t matter!
A woman cleans up outdoors
People can initiate their happiness when they start volunteering or get a happiness boost from volunteering. The self-rewards of working with an organization are a little loftier than self-volunteering, probably due to the camaraderie created.
The best volunteer experiences benefit the organization, the community, and the volunteer. Before taking a volunteer position, understand what brings you emotional satisfaction. Know what tasks you like to do and what goals you wish to achieve for yourself by doing this line of work.
Volunteering does not need to take over your life either–just a few hours a week can benefit you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to enjoy what you are doing and feel fulfilled.