24 Jul Benefits of Volunteering
Have you ever heard that it is better to give than receive? Well it may seem a bit backwards and not quite make sense, but in reality, it’s true. When we give of ourselves to others, it is a feeling that is hard to describe. Along with good dentistry, Prescott Dentistry believes in the power of giving and volunteering. There are so many benefits to volunteering, it powerfully affects those you are helping, but it also positively benefits yourself.
Health Benefits
It may seem confusing as to how volunteering can benefit your health, but research has been conducted for the past couple decades to prove just that. The Corporation of National & Community Service has found a strong correlation between your health and giving back through serving others. Some areas volunteering has shown to positively affect include:
- Depression or mood
- Mortality rate
- Functionality on a daily basis
- Lower blood pressure
- Decreased stress and higher endorphin levels
The mental and emotional state that volunteering leaves you with is powerful. When you get your mind off yourself, and your own problems, it actually helps you gain a better perspective of life and your problems don’t seem so big. When you are able to see the positive affects of your life on someone else through serving, it also boosts your serotonin levels in your brain that are the hormones triggering happy feelings. Thus volunteering increases your happiness level and ability to smile more regularly and genuinely.
Tips to Volunteering
When you think of volunteering, it can be overwhelming of where to start or how to begin. There are some tips to help you decide how to get started.
- Think about what you are passionate about. When you volunteer it is important to do so for something that matters to you. This way you will be more excited, diligent and dedicated to the cause.
- There is no need to wait to be asked. Take initiative and ask those around you if they know of volunteer opportunities.
- Recognize what you have to offer. Your own skills, talents and knowledge can be very helpful for an organization. Align your passion with what you’re skilled at, and it will be a fruitful opportunity.
- Find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your schedule. Many organization have different needs, so it is important to see what ones would fit your personal schedule.
- When you find a potential organization, plan for the interview like a job interview. Come into it with ability to describe your goals, your skills and what you have to offer.
There are many options when it comes to volunteering. It is important to find what fits you the best, and what you can offer the most to. If you have ideas, Prescott Dentistry would love to hear about what volunteer opportunities you are looking into and offer our own volunteer experience.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/7/2017) Daniel Thornton (Flickr)