In a world where we’re all so focused on making money, it can be easy to forget that volunteering can open your world up to some invaluable, life-changing opportunities.
From making new business connections, to making new friends, to boosting your social life - there are TONS of benefits that can come with volunteering.
So, that’s what we’re going to be looking at today - the benefits of volunteering in your community, and how by giving up your free time for a good cause, you’ll be changing your life in more ways than you think…
90% of volunteers feel like they make a difference in the lives of the people that are directly affected by their volunteering, and they’d be right to think that. By giving up your free time to assist an organisation, a charity, a community or an individual, you are instantly making an impact. For example, in a recent study, 1 in 3 adults over the age of 60 recently reported feeling isolated from others. So just by volunteering to speak to a senior citizen for a few hours a week, you’ll be making a big difference.
Volunteering can also stop you from feeling isolated and alone! It gets you out of your comfort zone, and it introduces you to new people in your community. From volunteering in your local charity shops to volunteering at your local animal shelter; most volunteering jobs will introduce to you a whole world of new people including new friends and some connections that may come in handy down the line as your career progresses.
If you’re in a position to volunteer, then we advise you to write/call and send emails to all of the places you would LOVE to work at. Did you know that a lot of the workers at London Zoo started off as volunteers? If you have a passion for something in particular, such as animals, or conservation or sports, then why not request to volunteer somewhere that reflects your passions and hobbies? If you do well and you’re always willing to learn and to adapt, then the chances are that you’ll get taken on as a paid member of staff eventually.
Another great benefit of volunteering is the skills you’ll get to learn, and the best part? It’s for FREE! See it as a trade off - you give your valuable time to assist someone in some place that needs it, and you’ll get to learn new skills on the go. This can prove to be invaluable as you pick up leadership skills, organisational skills, problem-solving skills, relationship building skills, teamwork skills and MUCH more.
Over 3 quarters of volunteers in a recent study (77%) found that volunteering improved their mental health and wellbeing. Why is this? Because volunteering makes you feel like part of a community. It makes you feel valued and of service, which in-turn boosts your self-worth and self-esteem. Volunteering can also activate the rewards centre of your brain, giving you heaps of dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.It can boost your confidence as you master new skills, and it can stop you feeling isolated too, as you communicate and socialise with other people in your community.
If you’re looking for volunteering opportunities in your local area, then Hikinjo is a great place to start! Post a free ad offering your volunteering services today!
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