Loader
Processing....

Happiness is in Giving

Angela O'Connor
12 Dec 2022

Juggling work and home life can be a hard balancing act. Surviving the hustle and bustle of modern life can leave you feeling drained, leaving little energy to look after yourself. But is there an activity which can give you the double benefit of helping others while also making you feel better? It turns out volunteering can be an excellent way to do just that. Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding and surprisingly beneficial for your mental health. Let’s dive into the surprising link between volunteering and happiness. 

The Science Behind Why Volunteering Makes You Happy 

According to science, there is a strong connection between engaging in acts of kindness and being content with life. Research suggests when you volunteer your time, you activate the pleasure centers in your brain. As soon as you do something nice for someone else, your brain releases endorphins—the hormones responsible for making you feel good. Studies show helping others can reduce stress levels, increase social connectedness, and even improve the quality of your life. It’s no wonder why so many people find themselves feeling happier after engaging in volunteer work!  

6 Ways Volunteering Leads to Greater Happiness

Reaching out to others in need can provide you with a sense of accomplishment, connection, and purpose. Here are five ways volunteering can lead to greater happiness:

1. Volunteering Can Improve Mental Health 

Volunteer work isn't just about doing good; it's also about how it makes you feel inside. Studies have found volunteering can have a positive effect on mental health by reducing depression symptoms, improving cognitive functioning and increasing happiness levels. People who volunteer often tend to have better emotional well-being than those who don’t. 

2.  Volunteering Can Make You Feel Connected

Feeling connected to others is incredibly important for your overall sense of happiness and well-being. Volunteering allows you to create meaningful relationships with people you might not otherwise have the chance to meet, which can lead to greater feelings of belonging and satisfaction in life. It can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel as though you are part of something bigger.

3. Volunteering Can Lead to Personal Growth

When you volunteer, it allows you to learn new things, develop your skill set and push yourself out of your comfort zones. As a result, volunteering can help you grow both personally and professionally—leaving you with a greater sense of confidence and accomplishment.

4. Volunteering Can Help You Feel Accomplished

Volunteering is often seen as an act of selflessness, which can lead to significant feelings of accomplishment in the short and long term. It can also provide you with a sense of control over your life— allowing you to take active steps towards making the world a better place.

5. Volunteering Can Help You Feel Optimistic

When you volunteer, it’s easy to look beyond your circumstances and focus on the bigger picture. Not only can this help you to put things into perspective, but it can also allow you to recognize that there is still good in the world—which can lead to increased optimism and hope for the future.
6. Volunteering Can Help You Change the World for the Better

When you volunteer, you are giving your time and energy to causes that you care about—which can give you a sense of purpose, pride and satisfaction. Doing something meaningful and contributing to the greater good can help you feel more fulfilled and connected to your community. 

Volunteers play an essential role in our society by providing invaluable assistance to organizations in need of support — but most importantly they experience an undeniable sense of purpose and satisfaction from doing good deeds for others. The next time you find yourself feeling down or overwhelmed with life's challenges — try giving back through volunteering! Not only will you be helping out your community but you'll also reap unexpected rewards such as improved mental health alongside feelings of joy and contentment.

Articles

Build your awareness and get inspired with our researched articles on how you can strengthen your well-being

If you, or someone you know, is in need of emergency care or urgent crisis intervention, please contact your local emergency numbers immediately