The Remarkable Benefits of Being a Volunteer
Including Greater Health, Wealth and Happiness
by www.Sedona.com
If you have ever considered volunteering, now, more than ever, is an ideal time to do so. Due to the slumping economy, there are many people in need, and whether you choose to donate your time, special skill or something else, the effort will be especially appreciated.
But what you may not realize is that right now YOU may stand to benefit quite a lot from volunteering as well. The economic climate has brought extra stress to many, and volunteering is actually an ideal way to help alleviate some of that stress and tap into your more positive emotions.
What can volunteering do for you? According to the National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (NSGVP), conducted in Canada:
- 76 percent of volunteers said that after volunteering they gained interpersonal skills (they were better able to understand other people, motivate others and help them in dealing with difficult situations).
- 66 percent said they developed better communication skills in areas like public speaking, writing and public relations.
- 64 percent reported an increase in their knowledge about such issues as health, women, politics, criminal justice or the environment.
Research shows that volunteering can also provide:
And getting out there into a new environment also means that you’ll likely meet new friends and may come into contact with someone who can help you find a good (or better) job.
Why is it that doing good things for others makes us feel good too?
“When we volunteer we are stepping outside of our own personal stories in order to reach out and help others,” says Hale Dwoskin, CEO and director of training of Sedona Training Associates. “Whenever we step out of our personal stories and focus on being there for others, we feel better. We also do better because we are feeling love or care toward others, and it is extremely satisfying to do what you can to support positive causes.”
“The best way to get out of your own way so that you can step out of your story and be there for others is to let go of whatever feelings have been holding you back,” Dwoskin continues. “The more you let go, the more loving and caring you feel.”
If you like the idea of volunteering but aren’t sure where to get started, sites like VolunteerMatch.org can help you find a place to volunteer that will match up with your interests and skills.
You may also be interested to know that the NSGVP survey found those who volunteered the most (they contributed at least 177 hours a year) were more likely to report gaining benefits than those who volunteered for less time. So if you’re thinking of donating your time, it’s worthwhile to find a cause you truly feel passionate about … and spend as much time as you can helping out.
Source
GivingandVolunteering.ca
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