15 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering That Will Inspire You

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Did you know that we, as a society, value volunteers so much that we even put a monetary value on their time?  Our volunteer work may be more valuable than our regular work!  The benefits of volunteering are countless. But there are social, emotional, physical, and professional perks.  Here are fifteen proven benefits of volunteering.  Maybe one of them will convince you to get off the couch and out the door to engage with your community.

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1. Volunteering Builds Community

According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, you strengthen your community and your social network when you volunteer.  You make connections with the people you are helping, and you cultivate friendships with other volunteers.

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2. Ends Loneliness

The Campaign to End Loneliness says that close to 45 percent of people in the US admit to feeling   lonely.  Loneliness and social isolation are two of the most severe epidemics in the world today. The simplest way to reverse this. Volunteer!

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3. Increases Socializing

Socially, the benefits of volunteering show up quickly and have long-term effects. Social interaction improves mental and physical health.  The benefits of consistent socializing include better brain function and lower risk for depression and anxiety.  

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4. Builds Bonds, Creates Friends

Volunteering creates stronger bonds between friends, family, and coworkers. People build closer relationships, better connections, and to people when they work together.  If you feel the need for deeper connections with other people, try volunteering. 

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5. Develops Emotional Stability

Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and low self-esteem, have all been helped by volunteering. They feel more connected to others. They have an increased sense of purpose. Connection and meaning translate to decreased symptoms and improved social function.

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6. Improves Self-Esteem

When teens or young adults volunteer, they develop self-esteem, confidence, and feelings of self-worth. Consider the advantages of volunteering for teens and young adults with social anxiety, and depression. Volunteering could be life-changing and lifesaving.

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7. Helps Those Most Affected by Mental Illness

Volunteering can also help prisoners who make up the largest demographic of mental illness in North America.  It is estimated that 37 percent of inmates in the U.S. have some form of mental illness.

Programs like Paws for Life allow incarcerated individuals to train shelter dogs. It is evident to prison officials that inmates become calmer when they work with the dogs. They seem more committed to their rehabilitation too.  Similar programs help war veterans recover from PTSD when they volunteer at animal shelters.  Volunteering reduces stress and improves well-being. Volunteering gives people the tools they need to be happier, healthier, and well-rounded individuals. It also keeps us young.

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8. Promotes Longevity

It has been reported that people who volunteer over 100 hours a year are some of the healthiest people in the U.S.

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9. Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s

 People who volunteer may be at lower risk of dementia.   Social interaction can help delay or prevent Alzheimer’s, and volunteering can be a fantastic way to do that.

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10. Leads to Graceful Aging

Older volunteers benefit the most from getting out of the house, engaging with others, and moving physically. Purpose and collaboration result in mental health improvements and a better outlook on life.

Studies indicate that senior volunteers experience the most physical benefit from their service, possibly because being active and engaged leads to more happiness.

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11. Burns That Stubborn Belly Fat

We live a more sedentary lifestyle than ever before. There are risks associated with less daily movement. When we volunteer, even if it is not a physically demanding project, we still get up and get moving.

Volunteers live longer and are more likely to take care of themselves in general.  Volunteering saves lives, both the lives of the people you help and yours. 

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12. Improves School and College Experience

For school-aged kids, volunteering builds social skills and develops awareness. High school students volunteer to boost their college applications, and college students volunteer to improve their job search post-graduation.

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13. Provides Better Job Prospects

Millennials are some of the most civic-minded and socially aware employees. They choose jobs that reflect their values and then continue to donate their money, time, and skills.  According to AmeriCorps, 28.2 percent of Millennials share their talents with charitable causes, but their volunteer hours also make them competitive in the job market.  Other generations are finding that civic mindedness has become an asset in the workplace.  Employers overwhelmingly look favorably on job applicants who have volunteered.

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14. Develops Corporate Communities

One of the most significant trends in the volunteer world today is corporate philanthropy. More big-name companies than ever support local and national programs financially. They create employee volunteer programs to help their philanthropic efforts and to retain employees. Companies encourage employees to commit a certain number of hours every year to service programs.

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15. Volunteering Adds Fun to Your Years

Volunteering and freely giving your time, energy, and resources to people and causes around the world can create change on a global scale.  However, the best part, and often overlooked is that volunteering is just plain fun.

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If you are ready to make friends, improve your mental and physical health, and maybe develop new skills along the way, start volunteering. You can change your life and the lives of others when you do. Don’t overlook the benefits of volunteering. Embrace them!