Health benefits

Did you know that our brains act differently when we’re committing an act of generosity*?

Various studies suggest that the act of volunteering can reduce anxiety, stress and anger levels. In fact, one study^ suggests that those that volunteer have decreased mortality rates – so it could even help you live longer! 

For older people, volunteers that help children with reading and writing had less memory loss and even greater physical mobility+. Plus there’s the feel good factor of endorphins when you do something to help others.

Build your networks

Whether you’re looking to make new friends, meet a potential partner or build your business networks, volunteering in an area that interests you will expose you to a range of like-minded people. 

Not only will you be giving back and making a difference in the lives of others, but for some, volunteering can be a route to new employment or a chance to try out something new. You’ll increase your social skills and in many cases practice empathy, patience and tolerance. 

Types of volunteering

Volunteering is no longer just at soup kitchens. There’s plenty of ways you can give back to your community – even options for the time poor. 

Here’s some examples to get you thinking:

• Donating blood
• Tutoring English
• Helping out at an Op shop
• Assisting with a local charity sporting event
• Picking up rubbish in your local park or beach
• Using a special skill you have for charity (like building, accounting or graphic design)

Where to find volunteer opportunities

It’s easy to find volunteering opportunities online by visiting govolunteer (there’s even an App you can download!) Other resources include community noticeboards, local councils or you could even approach organisations directly to see if they need a hand.

^ https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/hea-31-1-87.pdf

*Dr Richard Davidson, The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/26/well/mind/why-doing-good-is-good-for-the-do-gooder.htm

+ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112377/