by Gloria Barsalou
Volunteering is good for you! Did you know that? Scientists have discovered that it adds years to your life. According to Harold G. Koenig, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry and associate professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, there appears to be a connection between volunteering and better mental and physical health.
Ample circumstantial evidence and solid logic both support the idea that those who help others are likely to find many improvements in their own well-being and health, although researchers aren’t sure why. Miami psychologist Janet Brown, Ph.D., speculates that “the friendships, new experiences and rush of good feelings associated with volunteering keep you healthy by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate – and just plain make life worth living.”
The dictionary defines a volunteer as “a person who performs or gives services of his/her own free will; a person who renders aid, performs services, or assumes an obligation voluntarily.” How can this possibly be bad?
Sure, volunteering is good for you, but how do you balance your volunteer life with your personal and perhaps your professional life?
First, choose a volunteer activity that you want to do. The match between the volunteer and the organization is important. Before making a commitment, you should assess your own values, abilities and time constraints. If you are to have a fulfilling experience as a volunteer, make sure your volunteer hours fit your lifestyle. It’s better to start out slowly than to commit yourself to a schedule that you cannot fulfill.
Choose an activity that takes advantage of your strengths and abilities. You should base your choice on desire, not duty. Volunteerism comes from a natural desire to help. When volunteering comes straight from the heart, you will benefit from a special satisfaction and will look forward to continuing.
Brian O’Connell, a noted professor, activist and teacher, wrote a book profiling the work of a number of volunteers. In this book, Voices from the Heart: In Celebration of America’s Volunteers, he notes that the profiled volunteers developed or improved various areas of their lives. The benefits of volunteering include:
Professional Development. Volunteers sharpen a current skill in a new arena or learn a completely new skill set.
Time Management Skills. Through their commitment to a cause, volunteers become adept at scheduling priorities to accommodate activities that are meaningful to them.
Diversified Networking Opportunities. Volunteers meet fascinating, inspiring people that would not have otherwise crossed your path.
Attitude Adjustment. Volunteers see the hope and beauty in people.
Community Improvement. Volunteers often discover that their efforts have made the world a better place.
When you decide to volunteer, it doesn’t matter how big your gifts and abilities are, but rather that you use them to make life better for others.The biggest reason people do NOT volunteer is because they feel that they haven’t been asked. So, please consider this a personal request to share yourself with a cause or organization of your choice!