AIESEC Sri Lanka
Volunteering for a cause is oftentimes undertaken with the intention of helping communities and individuals, contributing to the development of the world and developing one's own skills. But did you know that volunteering can also be a great boost for the wellbeing of your mind and body?
Here are 10 ways in which volunteering can improve your physical, mental and social health.
The frequent travel and physical activities that come along with volunteering can provide daily exercise and improve your physical fitness, without ever having to go to a gym. While certain volunteer projects involve rigorous physical activities such as cleanups, restorations, renovations and hikes, some projects incorporate outbound training and travelling for volunteers to stay fit while exploring and having fun.
Engaging in volunteer activities with a group of people can take our minds off of everyday troubles and result in improved moods. The physical exercise volunteering brings with it can boost the production of endorphins, the human body’s natural painkillers and mood-elevators, leading to reduced levels of stress.
Creating meaningful connections and engaging in purposeful activities can spike brain activity and increase the production of the human body’s natural mood-elevators.
Humans are designed to be social creatures and having a strong sense of community with meaningful relationships plays a vital role in social health. Volunteering is the perfect opportunity to form and nurture these meaningful connections with people who share common values and are actively engaged in a common interest.
Challenging environments you might encounter while volunteering can push you beyond your comfort zone, make you think and spike brain activity, keeping your mind constantly engaged and active. An active mind is creative, innovative, empathetic, strategical and solution-oriented.
Volunteering exposes you to new environments and opportunities and can ignite undiscovered passions, be it community service, teaching or the creative arts. The fulfillment you can get through acts of kindness can elevate these passions and provide a sense of purpose.
Volunteering is proven to be an effective way to increase social interaction and build support systems and this can have a great impact on reducing the risk of depression.
Working for a social cause and experiencing realities that one may not experience otherwise can provide a motivational boost to work on one’s own physical, mental and social health in order to make a greater impact in the future.
Volunteers, particularly youth volunteers, undertake volunteer work while engaging in studies or work. This can help you escape you monotonous daily routine and experience a new country, culture or community, creating a healthy balance between one's personal and professional lives.
Travelling while volunteering can increase your immunity level. Frequent travel is known to increase the level of antibodies in your body and volunteering can be the perfect opportunity for your body to adapt to new environments and make itself stronger.
