Helping others can improve your health

Wellness through VOLUNTEERISM

Helping others can improve your health

Written by TIM LUIPERSBECK

Director of marketing & communications Community Foundation of Washington County MD Inc.

Let’s face it! It’s hard to ask much of our fellow neighbor these days. But, given the unprecedented struggles that COVID-19 has put our community through, The Community Foundation has seen firsthand how alive and well the spirit of volunteerism still is. While our biggest focus, since 1997, has been helping others achieve their philanthropic goals, there’s a lot to be said about the benefits of good old-fashioned volunteer work.

Stress reduction

When you factor in the many challenges this pandemic has placed upon us, stress relief is something many seek. Volunteering, even while socially distant, presents an opportunity to turn away from typical day-to-day stressors and consider the task at hand. Sometimes requiring a degree of physical labor, volunteering can also become a form of exercise.

Cardiovascular health

A 2013 Carnegie Melon study published by the American Psychology Association determined a link between volunteerism and decreased risk of hypertension, particularly among adults 50 years or older. The study analyzed hypertensive baselines, showing that those who had volunteered at least 200 hours in the past 12 months were less likely to develop hypertension.

Social support

Connecting with other passion-driven volunteers within your community is a boost that can expand your social circle and further connect you to a particular cause.

Self-esteem

Being able to give back creates an experience that leaves many volunteers feeling proud of their capacity and willingness to give back.

Sense of purpose

“Am I contributing enough to the world?” It’s a question many of us ask ourselves at one point or another. The more time spent volunteering, the easier it is to answer that question. You can’t help but recognize the difference you make in others’ lives. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to connect with a cause you’re passionate about and helps you find the motivation to accomplish it.

A lesson in self-care

Prioritizing volunteer work helps you re-assess how you care about yourself. When you spend hours of your personal time in a positive environment working toward a common goal, you learn to prioritize self-care. Reflecting on a time when you hadn’t volunteered much (if at all), helps to develop enough perspective to appreciate the person you’ve become.

Whether you’re volunteering to help animals, working to raise awareness about homelessness, spending time organizing a clothing drive, or more, there’s always a way to help better your community. The health benefits are a welcome bonus. While it might not be the right time to volunteer without limit, the need for help was here before the pandemic and shall remain long after. The best way to start is simply knowing that the benefits are endless!