Volunteering has many benefits for the community, but did you know that it can also improve your health? In addition to tremendous difference it makes in someone’s life, the benefits surrounding one’s health are just as dramatic. Below are a few of the health benefits one acquires when volunteering.
Reduce Stress Levels
You acquire a great sense of appreciation when you dedicate time to those who you’re helping. Volunteering has the ability to reduce blood pressure, which can be linked to a reduction in stress levels and ultimately improve the physical and mental well-being of our body. Those who volunteer may live longer due to lowered feelings of loneliness and stress.
Build New Relationships
Having the opportunity to give back also means having the opportunity to meet new, like-minded individuals who share similar aspirations. Expanding your network is never a bad idea and neither is enhancing social, interpersonal and communication skills. Humans are social beings, therefore, socializing can have positive effects on one’s physical and mental health.
Develop a Sense of Purpose
The work and time that volunteers provide to different organizations often causes people to feel fulfilled and find a new purpose in life. In addition to that, it has the ability to achieve the need for self-actualization, which is the realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities.
Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.