By chance, I was given the opportunity to volunteer with a group in Denver, CO. Altruism, Happiness, and Health: It’s Good to be Good by Stephen G. Post. [2013]), Performing random acts of kindness helps boost your psychological health by releasing dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain. By focusing on the volunteer, we amplify the amazing health benefits of volunteering to improve mental wellness. About a quarter of people who volunteer say that volunteering has helped them manage a chronic illness such as depression. This study examined similarities and differences between persons with and without disabilities on volunteering, donations and group participation. Research shows that volunteering has both mental and physical health benefits. Through organizing and executing group volunteer events, we put people in a position to serve others while being part of an amazing social setting which creates a sense of community. 56% of new volunteers felt that volunteering would help their career. “When it comes to volunteering being important for mental health, the benefits … The feeling of purpose derived from serving others helps people improve mental wellness and cope with the symptoms of depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis led by researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School in England found that volunteers reported lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction and enhanced well-being. #mc_embed_signup{background:clear; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } 76% of people who volunteer say that volunteering has made them feel healthier. 80% of people who volunteer say they feel they have control over their mental health and depression. Impact of Volunteering on Physical and Emotional Health & Well‐Being: Volunteering appears to have a powerful impact on the six signs of personal wellness, with those who participate in volunteering activities reporting higher levels of life satisfaction, sense of control over life and feeling physically and emotionally healthier. Volunteering like this helps address a social problem that is meaningful to you and in turn helps to build a sense of purpose, which furthermore boosts your own happiness. Volunteering helps improve your mood, makes you feel healthier, increases your sense of purpose, and reduces your stress levels. (United Healthcare Study). Meaningful Activities Protect the Brain from Depression. 49% of people who volunteer say that volunteering has helped with their career in the paid job market. Project Helping offers a unique solution for those looking to improve their mental health or combat the symptoms of their depression. The event leaders were amazing and the event was coordinated beautifully. As I continued to volunteer, my mental health continued to improve and my depression symptoms grew more and more manageable. I love helping people and this event gave me a chance to do that. We call that practicing. Explore the tabs below for research and articles to support the mental wellness benefits of kyndfulness. The video of Jaclyn’s story and the blog posts … So many feels (and tears)! (United Healthcare Study). Research published by Citizens Advice Bureau indicates that volunteering boosts self-esteem, employability and health – especially mental health. Reluctantly, I agreed to participate. I felt as if as I was helping to fill their bellies with food, my heart was filled with gratitude. We have collected some of that research here. I loved volunteering in the morning because it set the tone for the rest of my day. The experience was so seamless and easy – great job! 95% of people who volunteer say they are helping to make their community a better place. It also gave me a chance to be with other people and have a good time not worrying about all the little things I worry about. This is just some of the science that supports our work and outlines why it’s so beneficial to do good things for others. Researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers receive, including the positive feeling, referred to as “helper’s high,” increased trust in others, and increased social and political participation. While these volunteer activities may be performed with the core intention of helping others, there is also a common wisdom that those who give of themselves also receive. Volunteering gave me a sense of purpose that was created by being part of something bigger than myself. 96% of people say that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose. But then I remind myself how amazing I am going to feel when we are done. (Source: Nelson KS, Layous K, Cole SW et al). This is just some of the science that supports our work and outlines why it’s so beneficial to do good things for others. GiveGab is the Nonprofit Giving Platform, providing a quick and easy way for fundraising professionals to raise money online. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. (1) Volunteering among senior citizens improves their mental well-being; (2) Few previous studies reported volunteering improves physical health such as protection for mortality and incidence of disability, compared to mental well-being. (Nelson KS, Layous K, Cole SW et al.). (United Healthcare Study), 80% of people who volunteered in the past 12 months say they have control over their mental health. (Weng et al. Your mission statement feels true to my core, and I feel so aligned with what you’re doing. I felt that even this small event helped me find purpose to my city and gave a peace of mind, which is rare…I left the event with optimism and happiness , Something easy that anyone can just jump in and start helping!