Effects Of Volunteering On A Volunteer

The Effects of Volunteering on the Volunteer Volunteering is an activity which involves assisting others and coming to the aid of those in need. It is a compassionate and selfless act. By volunteering, the volunteer typically improves the life of others. The volunteer is not gaining anything financially, nor is he or she looking to obtain any financial gains. He or she is only seeking to lend a helping hand to those who are in need of it most. Though volunteering is a marvelous way to help others, it also provides many benefits to the volunteer. One of the several benefits for the volunteer is that it makes the volunteer happier and healthier. According to HelpGuide, “By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that …show more content…
Many positive benefits to both physical and mental health occur when one chooses to volunteer. If one is battling depression, then volunteering can be an excellent way to prevent it. This is because of the constant social interaction that occurs. Studies have proven that regular contact with other human beings builds a support system which can protect one from depression. When a volunteer is volunteering, his or her mind is not focused on any problems or worries that he or she might have. Instead, the volunteer is thinking about helping others and doing the right thing. Volunteering also causes happiness because the brain releases hormones that cause pleasure when helping others. This helpful activity allows the volunteer to have higher self-confidence as well as a sense of purpose. Improved physical health is an excellent effect that is caused by one choosing to volunteer. Many studies have shown that people who choose to volunteer have a mortality rate that is lower than those who choose not to volunteer (Segal and Robinson). Volunteers who are older tend to exercise and get out more than older people that do not volunteer. …show more content…
It is a great way to gain hands-on experience in the real world. HelpGuide states, “Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community” (Segal and Robinson). Volunteering can be the cause of one getting a job because it provides helpful skills. Though volunteer work does not earn the volunteer any money, the volunteer does gain expertise in certain areas and valuable job experience. Volunteering provides the volunteer with experience for a position in a career of his or her choice and could make potential employers more inclined to choose the volunteer for an open position. A very helpful opportunity from performing volunteer work is that one is given the chance to try a new career without making a commitment. Another benefit is that students in high school can gain credits through completing volunteer work. This could be very accommodating to any students who require credits for school and want to help the community while obtaining those credits. Volunteering can be very helpful to anyone in need of job experience or high school credits. Although volunteering is a great way to gain skills and job experience, it also can be an effective way to meet new people and make