Too often we find ourselves sitting in our home, wishing we could go & do something to feel better, yet not knowing if at the end of the day we will feel better– or worse.
Although you may think that volunteering will drain all your energy, you may find that it actually can ease physical pain. And sometimes, even if you are in more physical pain, you may discover that the mental & spiritual joy you gained still makes the physical pain worth it!
Volunteering has been found to:
Enhance self-esteem through the “good feelings” derived from helping others & feeling worthwhile & needed.
Distract one from one’s aches & pains, providing motivation for rehabilitation & activity, helping overcome social isolation, & providing a sense of community & belonging.
Key benefits of volunteer work include: skill development, coping with isolation, the chance to “give back” to the community, to meet people, to enhance job prospects, personal growth, personal empowerment & to gain a new perspective on one’s own problems.
Research Summary: Graff, L. (1991). Volunteer for the Health of it Etobicoke, Ontario: Volunteer Ontario.
