Volunteer Your Way to a Happier You

We’ve all gone through a lot over the last four years. The global pandemic forced long periods of isolation in our homes, either alone or with only immediate family members. Many people shifted from working in office settings to working more from home, leading to further social disconnection.  

Individuals have reported a loss of connectedness with others as well as a significant increase in mental health symptoms including depression and anxiety. As we continue to move forward, it can be difficult to shift from the realm of isolation to being out in the world and around others more. 

Benefits of Volunteering

A great way to get reconnected is through volunteering. Research has shown that there are many benefits individuals of engaging in volunteer service:

Greater sense of connectedness to the community and others.

One of the best ways to meet new individuals who are like minded is through volunteering.  This allows individuals to grow in existing relationships as well as develop new ones. Engaging in volunteer activities often connects individuals with other people they would have never otherwise had the chance to meet.  

Increased self-confidence.

When engaging in volunteer pursuits, an individual has the ability to control when, where and for how long they volunteer. The ability to make these choices and engage in activities that they find rewarding and meaningful helps people feel better about themselves and feel a sense of success and accomplishment, thus leading to an increase in overall self-confidence. When someone is able to do something they feel is valuable, it gives them a sense of accomplishment that may help them to  feel more fulfilled about their lives. 

Decreased feelings of anxiety and depression.

Multiple research studies have shown that the mood-boosting effects and mental health benefits that engaging in volunteer services has can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.  

Improved physical health.

Volunteering reduces stress which in turn can lead to overall improved physical health. Studies of volunteers have shown that individuals volunteering report a greater sense of meaning and appreciation, which can lead to a decrease in stress levels. Reduced stress decreases the likelihood of  hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Research has also found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates.  

Increased sense of purpose and meaning.

Many individuals have experienced loss and change over the course of the past several years. When feeling stuck or isolated, volunteering can give them  a sense of purpose. Dedicating time to a cause can give them  new direction and allow them to find purpose and growth  in an unexpected way. Volunteering can also help distract them temporarily from other ongoing challenges in their lives. 

There are multiple ways to get involved in the community to volunteer. It can be something as simple as preparing a meal for a sick neighbor or something as extensive as setting time aside every week to serve meals at a local soup kitchen. 

Through volunteer work, individuals can work toward overcoming the challenge of leaving a comfort zone they may have set for themselves during the pandemic, and do something with new people and situations. They also have the opportunity to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills that contribute to both professional and personal development. 

Multiple well-deserving organizations in the community are in need of help, and these volunteer opportunities vary in the amount of time and level of commitment required. Keep in mind, many nonprofit organizations rely on help from volunteers due to limits in funding and resources. 

Before getting started, think about some of these questions:

• What type of setting would you feel most comfortable working in?  Do you like to work with adults, children, and/ or animals?
• Would you prefer to work alone or as part of a larger team?
• How much of a leadership role are you comfortable taking on?
• How much of your time are you willing to commit?
• What skill sets can you bring?
• What types of causes are important to you?
• What goals are you hoping to achieve from this experience?

There are a multitude of wonderful volunteer opportunities out there waiting, including here at CHI Health where volunteers support our mission of caring for the community in a wide variety of ways. Whatever you decide to do, getting involved will help to improve your overall well-being while you make a difference in your community.