4 Reasons You Should Volunteer

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There's a reason why people volunteer. For example, it can be for a school project, or requirement, or just for fun. However, volunteering also comes with many health benefits, both physically and mentally. Below are some of these benefits.

1. Keeps You Active

From soup kitchens to nursing homes, volunteering is a surprisingly effective way to get in some exercise. Whether it be carrying boxes or flowers, volunteering can keep you on your feet, as well as ensure that you're remaining both physically and mentally active. With a variety of new skills learnt during your time volunteering, it's no surprise that people who volunteer often live longer and healthier lives. In fact, according to a study done by the Longitudinal Study of Aging, researchers have found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates and pain from chronic illnesses than those that don't.

2. Improves Your Mental Health

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Oftentimes, volunteering can give you a sense of fulfillment and boost your self-confidence. Volunteering often involves individuals going out of their way to give to their community, and gives them an opportunity to see just how their activities impact the world around them. Not only that, but volunteering has been shown to reduce conditions such as depression and anxiety. Volunteering has also been known to be quite relaxing, which further contributes to a thriving mental health.

3. Builds Up Your Resume

Many times, it's hard to gain experience in the workplace when you're just out of high school or college. Volunteering can give you an opportunity to build up those experiences by offering opportunities that allow you to explore your interests and potential careers. What's more, because of the relationships you develop when you volunteer, you can easily ask your supervisor to be your recommendor. At the very least, it looks good on your resume.

4. Connects You to Other People

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As stated above, volunteering allows you to make connections with other people. Whether it be through supervising, or just talking with other volunteers, volunteering is an activity that helps you establish connections, learn from others, and even make friends! If you're in a service position, such as helping out at a soup kitchen or a hospital, you're bound to run into a number of ways to connect with a variety of different people.

Conclusion

There's a reason why volunteers are near and dear to society. Not only do they help society function as a whole, but they also remind us that the world isn't necessarily a bad place. It helps that there are many health and professional benefits volunteering can give to an individual as well. From keeping you on your feet, to helping you meet new friends, it's clear that everyone can benefit from some sort of volunteering.