By LEKPEA BUEKOR
“Why should I volunteer when I could channel that time and energy into a proper job and get paid?” Jovita, my friend, asked.
The advantages of volunteering can last a lifetime—not just for those who you are assisting but also for you.
If you are double-minded about diving into a new volunteer experience, or you are just uncertain whether or not you should give volunteering a try, it would surprise you to know just how much volunteering could be beneficial, and after reading this article, you will find the courage to take the plunge.
- It enlarges your circle and builds community
Who wouldn’t want to have new friends?!
Belonging to a team with the same objective will help you form connections with strangers that you could be forever grateful. Volunteering, which entails assisting people and serving, implies you’ll be developing meaningful associations with others and expanding your circle.
Volunteering gives a unique opportunity: it links people with very distinctive shared values. In addition to having similar interests for children, the elderly, sustainable living, healthy eating, or whatever program you’re specializing on, volunteers are people who also share things like a readiness to move out of their comfort zone, a willingness to spend time on a community endeavour, a flair to engage in team-oriented activities, and a longing to see to the wellbeing of others.
In volunteering, you are certain to meet people who share similar values and passions as you do.
2 Gain Knowledge and Understanding of Other Ways of Life
While volunteering, you may go to a new area of your community that you have never been to. Some programs in volunteering could expose you to people from different walks of life. This experience can broaden your understanding of other people
Understanding the cultures and ways of life of different people will boost and expand your perspective about life. It will also enhance essential social skills like empathy and teamwork.
- Boost Your Self-Esteem
That’s correct! Research have shown that offering volunteer services enhances one’s self-esteem! Isn’t that amazing?
The more time you give to developing new skills and acquiring knowledge, the more confident you become as a person. Volunteering affords you this opportunity.
Moving out of your comfort zone and acquiring new skills is an effective way to build your self-esteem. Volunteering will boost your sense of worth and confidence. Receiving appreciation in the course of volunteering can make you feel better emotionally and mentally.
Plus, when would you have the time to nurture negative thoughts when you are busy serving humanity?!
- Gives an Edge in Your Career by Improving Job Prospects
This is an interesting one!
Volunteering will provide you with skills that can be useful throughout your career advancement. If you wish to change to a new career, particularly a new environmental or social impact career, volunteering in that new profession will give you an edge as it would help you cultivate the experience, skills, and knowledge you will need.
- Gives a sense of purpose and makes you fulfilled.
What a remarkable intention to do something! Who doesn’t want to feel happier and fulfilled?!
This is how it works: Using the skills you have developed for a larger, communal impact can be even more fulfilling. Volunteering will enhance your life and give you a wider purpose.
Researchers also that the social relationships you make while volunteering (as we’ve mentioned) help bolster your feelings of happiness.
Feeling like you are useful to the community will make you feel even happier. Volunteering is certainly a known mechanism to help fight mental challenges like depression, distress, anxiety, and hostility.
- It is beneficial for the health
Several physical advantages come from volunteering, and the most significant is that it can help decrease stress! It enhances better sleep and even prevents heart conditions.
In fact, in a research carried out on 50 older adults, it was found that there are lower mortality rates in volunteers compared to non-volunteers.
This is true because as we devote our time and attention to helping others, we become less worried about our problems.
Volunteerism has undoubtedly been the power to the fires of transformation both on international and local fronts. Volunteering your time, abilities, and resources is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference, support others, and as it turns out, it improves your wellbeing. In the next edition of this article, the Amazons Watch Magazine aims to compile some seasoned and enlightening perspectives on the relationship between volunteering and wellbeing.
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