Volunteering is all about giving back to your community, people who freely donate their time and energy to others enjoy positive physical and mental effects for their body and mind.
1. VOLUNTEERING MAKES YOU HAPPIER
FACT: Numerous studies work wide have shown that volunteering is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and increased life satisfaction and wellbeing.
DOING GOOD: The findings are in line with the term "helper’s high", coined by psychologists to describe the happy rush followed by calmness felt after performing an act of kindness.
2. VOLUNTEERING IS GOOD FOR YOUR BODY
FACT: Studies have found that 200 hours of volunteering per year correlated to lower blood pressure among the volunteers.
DOING GOOD: Volunteering has the potential to increase physical activity and get people moving and interacting, getting your blood flowing and moving around hence reducing blood pressure.
3. VOLUNTEERING CAN HELP WITH JOB PLACEMENT
FACT: A Time Bank UK survey among leading businesses found that 73% would employ someone who has volunteered over someone who hasn’t.
DOING GOOD: Volunteering can offer an opportunity to try something new or gain experience in a different field, while also giving back to the community.
4. VOLUNTEERING IS WORTH MONEY
FACT: The estimated value of volunteer time for 2019 is $25.43 per hour which is up 3% from the previous year. .
DOING GOOD: This estimate acknowledges the enormous contribution that volunteers make to charitable organizations, helping them offset costs while also providing added value to the cause.
5. VOLUNTEERING AT A YOUNG AGE CREATES MORE GIVING ADULTS
FACT: Adults who began volunteering as youth are twice as likely to volunteer as those who did not volunteer when they were younger.
DOING GOOD: While volunteering is great at any age, exposing youngsters to the importance of helping others will provide them with a strong base of giving that will carry into their adulthood.
During this time of hardship and need in South Africa so many people are relying on volunteers for their daily basic necessities. This is a harsh reality but there are many many families that go to bed hungry, cold and lonely every single day.
No matter how big or how small your contribution to the community is or can be - every little bit goes a long long way to making the life of another South African that little bit fuller.
Make a difference, create a smile, warm a tummy, give someone hope in humanity.
Yours in Health,
Christine
Health Coach and Wellness Chef
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