Volunteering has benefits that go way beyond your health

In 2000, the National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participatingrevealed the ways in which volunteers describe the benefits of giving back :

79 % of volunteers said that their volunteer work helped improve their interpersonal relationship skills. The ability to better understand people, to motivate others and to deal with delicate situations are a few examples.
68 % of volunteers said that volunteering helped them improve their communication skills.
63 % reported better knowledge of the issues related to the field they chose to volunteer in.

Volunteering helps you find new meaning in life

According to a study by the University of Michigan on 423 elderly couples, people who help improve quality of life for others can also help prolong their own life.

In fact, as we age, volunteering can give new direction to our lives by reducing the risk of anxiety and depression and increasing our sense of satisfaction.

Volunteering reduces your stress levels

According to Herbert Benson, a cardiologist at Harvard University renowned for his work on relaxation response and the body’s ability to go into a deep relaxation state, the health benefits that come from giving back to others are like those of developing a yoga, spiritual or meditation practice—slowing down cardiac rhythm and lowering blood pressure.

The euphoria experienced by volunteers can be explained by the feeling of calm that comes form helping others. These altruistic objectives strengthen the sense of having a goal in life, which in turn improves self-esteem. Self-esteem provides individuals with the motivation they need to make better life choices.

Volunteering is good for your health

Fostering ties with the collective can play an important role in your health. According to researchers at Harvard University, volunteering reflects the strength of social bonds, which have a direct effect on the health of community members.

The results of the Canadian Community Health Survey show that two-thirds of respondents (64%) feel a strong sense of belonging in their community. Two thirds of this group also feel that they are in excellent or very good health.

Volunteering helps build your community

Volunteering encourages interaction between community members and strengthens their ties.

When you volunteer, you help improve quality of life in your own community and build social capital. The social capital is a kind of reserve that fosters healthy living. It grows when people in the community are engaged in civic activities, gain confidence and spark the engagement of others. The higher the level of social capital, the more dynamic and healthy the community.

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