4 Surprising Benefits of Volunteering
What is the one thing we can’t get back, can’t work to earn more of, can’t gain more through education, skill or even purchase? Time. Our time is one of the most treasured things we have in life. When we have individuals serve alongside our organizations, they offer us the most valuable gift they can.
As a volunteer coordinator for Buckner International in Houston, I ordered a thank you banner for our children in the after-school program to hold for a picture to send to the volunteers who serve in that area.
We all know the impact volunteers make on those we serve – but do we know the impact serving can have on them?
During National Volunteer Appreciation Month, let’s explore what motivates volunteers and the surprising benefits they can experience through serving.
Why do most people choose to serve?
To help others.
95% of volunteers say they’re helping so they can contribute to making their community a better place overall.
To experience personal fulfillment and growth.
96% of volunteers reported the action of serving enriched their sense of purpose in life.
66% of volunteers give their time to improve their community, and 83% do so to contribute to a cause they care about.
For social interaction and community engagement.
35% of volunteers say they enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and build friendships.
People often volunteer because they want to connect with others who share similar interests or values. In fact, studies show that over a third of adults 45 and older often feel lonely, and nearly a quarter of adults over 65 feel socially isolated. Volunteering offers a social connection.
To improve or develop skills or advance in their careers.
A study by AmeriCorps found volunteering gives job hunters a 27% advantage over non-volunteers.
Volunteering opens the door to make new contacts, connections, and opportunities to build your network and skill set.
Now, those answers might not come as a surprise to you, but have you heard about the many benefits of volunteering, such as improvements in mental health?
4 lesser-known benefits of volunteering
Studies show volunteering helps individuals feel more socially connected, reduces feelings of loneliness and depression, and can even improve physical health.
Mental health benefits include:
Reduced depression and anxiety: A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that volunteering was associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of depression. Specifically, people who volunteered regularly were 30% less likely to experience depression.
Improved well-being: According to a 2020 study by Harvard Health Publishing, volunteering is linked to improved mental well-being and life satisfaction. Volunteering increases happiness and life satisfaction, potentially by providing a sense of purpose and connection.
Lower stress levels: Volunteers report lower levels of stress, with research indicating that helping others can activate areas of the brain that promote positive emotions and reduce stress.
Physical health benefits include:
Longer lifespan: People who volunteer are more likely to report better physical health, and they often have a longer expected lifespan.
Better cardiovascular health: A study from Carnegie Mellon found volunteering can reduce the risk factor for high blood pressure and hypertension by almost half.
Increased physical activity: Many volunteer activities can increase physical activity, leading to overall improved health.
Cognitive health benefits – especially for older individuals:
Improved cognitive function in older adults: A study from The Journals of Gerontology showed seniors who volunteered had better cognitive function compared to those who did not.
Reduced risk of cognitive decline: Engaging in volunteer activities that require problem-solving, social interactions and physical activity can help keep the brain sharp, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Social and emotional benefits:
Increased social connections: Individuals who volunteer have better social connections and report higher levels of social support, which are key to mental and emotional health.
Sense of purpose: Volunteering has been linked to a sense of purpose and improved self-esteem. 94 percent of individuals who volunteer have higher levels of personal satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment.
Can you see God’s perfect design in this? He said Jesus came to serve, not to be served – and we are to do the same. The Bible also says we are to live in community, to serve the vulnerable and those who love others love him.
The Bible doesn’t say this will leave us depleted, broken or empty, but instead through that obedience, it helps our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. God truly thought of everything!
We at Buckner are so thankful for those who choose to give the gift of their time to serve vulnerable children and families in Houston.
Are you interested in experiencing the many benefits of volunteering? Find an opportunity to serve vulnerable children and families in Houston at buckner.org/volunteer.
Written by Erin Kelly, volunteer coordinator for Buckner Family Hope Center® programs in Houston.
This National Volunteer Appreciation Month, let’s explore what motivates volunteers and the surprising benefits they can experience through serving.