Maybe you’ve been wanting to volunteer. You’re not sure if you have the time. You might change your mind after reading these personal benefits of volunteering. Here are three personal benefits of volunteering to motivate you today!

Benefits of Volunteering

1) Career Advancement

Volunteerism provides many opportunities for career growth. Your volunteer experience helps fill in gaps on a resume. Additionally, it increases self-confidence. As a volunteer, you can gain real-world experience you didn’t get in school. It also can help you expand your experience in your current job.

If you have a job but want to change careers, volunteering is a great idea. It can help you find a network and a community outside of your current career network.

Even if you love your job, volunteering is a way to make your current network stronger. Encourage your co-workers to volunteer with you. This will strengthen your work relationships and enhance your community.

2) Personal Health

Volunteer work keeps your mind active. It also helps with mental and emotional health. Having friends and purpose will make you happier and reduce stress. Volunteering prevents loneliness!

Focusing your attention on the needs of others puts your own life in perspective. It gets your attention off of your own problems and onto solving someone else’s problems. For instance, for a few hours at a time, it helps distract you from your own stress. In time, you will be better able to cope with your own struggles.

Volunteering is a fun way to stay physically active as well. Physical activity will help you stay strong and healthy at any age. It will help you burn fat and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise helps with physical and mental agility. Volunteer work will keep you strong and able to enjoy more of the good things in life.

3) Long Life

The health benefits of volunteering reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Learning new things will help keep your mind strong well into your later years. Having a schedule will keep you in the routine of getting out of the house. Also, having other volunteers as friends will give you a reason to stay strong and keep going. Volunteering will help you live longer!

Volunteering will give you a great legacy to pass on to your grandchildren. It sets a good example for the next generation. It will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment in a life well lived.