We all want to be more helpful, but with our busy lives today, giving back to the community is often something we put off. The truth is helping others can be even more beneficial to you than you think. As human beings, we constantly seek positive change in our lives. How can we achieve this? How can we help others and help ourselves? The answer is rather simple; by volunteering.

Volunteering has proven to be beneficial to our health and general wellness. You don’t need to devote countless hours to volunteering either. Just a couple of hours per week can be beneficial to you as well as those you are giving your time to. Volunteering helps reduce stress, encourages human connections, introduces you to new friends and broadens your horizons. Volunteering may even provide you with new career opportunities.

Turn one of your hobbies or passions into volunteer work.  For example, if you enjoy baking, offer to help a soup kitchen or bake to raise funds for a worthy cause. If you enjoy spending time with children, devote some time to help students enhance their reading skills. If one of your pleasures is gardening, teach seniors how to plant a communal garden. Those passionate about reading can volunteer as a librarian.  Sports enthusiasts can volunteer to coach kayaking, swimming, soccer or another sport. Those who are adept at technology can help people learn to use software applications. If you are an animal lover, volunteer some time at an animal shelter to help animals in need. Volunteers are so integral to many non-profit organizations. Without them, many would have to close their doors.

Seniors, retirees or those who have lost their spouse can find new meaning in their lives by assisting others. Helping others can take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated and add joy and happiness to your life.

If you are concerned about transportation, volunteer your time on the phone or via computer. People with disabilities or health issues can also benefit from volunteering. Research has shown that adults with disabilities or health conditions, ranging from hearing or vision loss to heart disease, diabetes or digestive disorders, all showed improvement after volunteering.

Children watch everything their parents do. By giving back to the community, you are also showing your children how volunteering can make a difference.

Volunteering benefits include a boost in morale, feeling good about yourself and becoming a valued member of your community.  You may be surprised to find out that helping others helps you even more. Volunteering is good for your mind and body, adds fun and fulfillment to your life and can bring out the best in you. Volunteering also makes your community a better place to live. Helping with the smallest task can make a valuable difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. Best of all, volunteering is good for the heart and soul!