What is the Benefit of Volunteering?
Many people find pleasure and happiness in helping others. Volunteering can help you discover a new hobby, skill or social network.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and build lifelong friendships. You’ll likely find that the other volunteers share similar values, interests and outlooks. These connections can expand your social circle and expand your view of the world.
Studies have shown that people feel happier when they volunteer. This may be because helping others releases a chemical in the brain called dopamine that causes feelings of pleasure and happiness. It could also be because volunteering allows you to connect with people and experience life from a new perspective.
Many people who struggle with low self-esteem find that volunteering helps them boost their confidence and improve their sense of self-worth. This is because it teaches you that you are capable of more than you might think, and you can help make a difference in someone’s life. It also gives you a reason to step outside your comfort zone and meet new people, which can be especially helpful for those who have trouble making friends.
If you are an introvert or shy, volunteering can help you improve your social skills. Because you have to interact with other people on a regular basis, volunteering can force you to communicate and build your confidence. It can also give you the opportunity to try out different leadership roles if you are interested in becoming a leader.
If you are considering a career change, volunteering can help you get experience in your new field and meet people in the industry. You can also practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and project planning. You may feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first. Volunteering can also help you see the world from a new perspective and understand how you can make a difference.
Volunteering is a great way to meet people outside of your usual social circles, as you will share common interests with the other volunteers in the organisation. It is also a good way to build professional contacts, which can be useful for your career.
In addition to helping you meet new people, volunteering can also help you see things from a different perspective. This can be a good thing, especially if you find yourself stuck in an echo chamber of people who all share the same beliefs and personal perspectives as you. Seeing the world from a different point of view can inspire you and give you fresh ideas that you can bring back into your work life. This can increase your productivity and improve your overall quality of life.
Many volunteer opportunities take you out of your comfort zone and force you to solve problems that require thinking on your feet. This can help you build problem-solving skills and increase your confidence in social situations.
You can also meet people who come from different backgrounds and have a completely different outlook on life than you do. This helps you expand your understanding of the world around you and builds important social skills like empathy and teamwork.
As a result, you will have a better perspective on your own life and any future goals that you may have. This sense of purpose can make you feel happy and fulfilled, so why not start volunteering today? Whether you’re looking for an emotional lift or to learn new skills, there is a role out there for everyone!
Helps you develop new skills
You can build on existing skills and learn new ones through volunteering, for example, learning a second language or developing your customer service skills. It can also help you maintain skills that you may not use regularly in your job, such as public speaking or organisation.
You also get to meet new people and forge connections that could be helpful in your career development. These contacts can often help you find work, provide support or mentorship, or give you insight into the industry.
If you’re thinking of a change in career, volunteering can provide valuable experience and allow you to test out your new skills in a safe space. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve! Plus, the feeling of stepping outside your comfort zone to make a difference is an energising boost for your self-esteem.
