Jennifer Gustafson, Neighbors Who Care
We all know that volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. But did you know that volunteering can also protect your mental and physical health? Here’s how:
1. Volunteering can counteract the effects of stress. Nothing relieves stress better than developing connections with others. It helps take our minds off of our own concerns and puts the needs of others in the forefront. When volunteering, you have the opportunity to interact with others and impact them in a positive, meaningful way, which can be mutually beneficial for all involved.
2. Volunteering promotes happiness. Taking the focus off of ourselves also enriches our personal satisfaction. Researchers have discovered that people receive incredible fulfillment when helping those in need. And because humans are social beings by nature, the more we give, the happier we feel. Who knows? You may even make a new friend while volunteering!
3. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. We all have a desire for purpose in our lives. We want to feel that our life has meaning. Volunteering is the perfect way to find your purpose, because it not only makes you feel good, but it also keeps you mentally stimulated and intrinsically fulfilled.
4. Volunteering increases self-confidence. When serving others in your community, you get a natural sense of pride and accomplishment. With continued opportunities to do good for others, you are more likely to have a more positive view of yourself and your life’s goals.
5. Volunteering alleviates boredom. Are you looking for something to do during your days? If you are struggling with too much quiet time or a lack of ideas of things to do, volunteering is an ideal way to fill some of the spare hours in your day. Volunteering is also a nice complement to your life on the days you aren’t playing golf or Mah Jongg!
6. Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have shown that volunteers have a lower mortality rate. They also tend to walk more, have reduced risk of heart disease, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and are better with coping and time management skills. Additionally, it has been proven that doing a variety of activities helps our minds stay sharp!
At Neighbors Who Care, our volunteers receive incredible satisfaction from lending a helping hand to homebound seniors in our community who may not have anyone else to help them. Serving the Sun Lakes and South Chandler area, volunteers provide such non-medical services as transportation to appointments, shopping/errands, dinner delivery, minor repairs, respite care, and even friendly visiting.
Serving as a Neighbors Who Care volunteer is easy and fun! There is no minimum time requirement to volunteer, and scheduling is flexible based on your availability. You can volunteer as little or as often as you like. You also get to choose the services that you want to provide to our very grateful clients.
To learn more about volunteering with Neighbors Who Care, contact us at 480-895-7133 or visit our website at neighborswhocare.com/volunteer. We would love to have you join our team in serving our neighbors who need just a little extra help. Your volunteering is good for them and for you!