It’s better to give than to receive. We hear that a lot (especially around the holidays) but did you know that giving does a body good?
In 2006, there was an estimated $295 billion of charitable giving in the U.S. – an all time high! There’s no doubt about it – giving back benefits all of those involved, whether it be time or money. For those who volunteer, studies have shown links to an increased self-esteem, a release in which may lead to lowered levels of depression, a better nervous system and a boost in the immune system. Additionally, volunteering is also a great way to get out there and meet new people. Research shows that those with a larger social circle live longer than those with smaller social circles!
A recent Gallup poll on volunteering found that 52% of volunteers do it because they like helping others, and 38% said they felt good about themselves when they volunteered.
According to SparkPeople.com, here are 4 more reasons to volunteer:
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Develop new skills. Gaining skills, knowledge and expertise are common side effects of volunteering. Giving others your time brings you interesting and challenging opportunities that might not come along otherwise. This experience can be added to your resume and could result in a better paying job in the future.
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Give back to your community. Doing something for the community you live in and returning the favor to those who have helped you are strong motivators. Everyone, rich or poor, takes from society, and volunteering is one way to show a sense of appreciation.
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Develop and grow as a person. Volunteering is an excellent way to explore your likes and dislikes. If you’re interested in a new career, volunteer in the field first to see if you will actually like it. You may find a totally unrelated field is a much better fit for you, one you’d never consider if you hadn’t volunteered there first.
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Gain a new perspective. Life can be hard and when you’re feeling down, your problems can seem insurmountable. Volunteering can offer a new perspective—seeing people who are worse off than you are, yet still hanging in there, can help you see your life in a whole new light.
Wouldn’t it be great if the more we volunteered the healthier we would be? There’s no doubt that a connection between volunteering and health benefits exists and may be just as important to your health as diet and exercise. Not only does volunteering help you physically, but it also warms the heart.
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