Discover all the benefits of volunteering this International Volunteering Day 2022

Posted: Tue, 29 Nov 2022 12:30

Discover all the benefits of volunteering this International Volunteering Day 2022

Life can be stressful in the 21st century and whilst being physically fit is essential, taking good care your mental health and wellbeing might be equally, if not more important. The NHS's 5 Ways to Wellbeing uses research evidence and suggestions that could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life, which includes volunteering. This International Volunteering Day, let us take a minute to acknowledge how volunteering ticks not just one, but all boxes of mental wellbeing!

1. More than work

While volunteering is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employment, we think it's time to look beyond that. In other words, let's stop looking at what you do for work- and see what it can do for you. Volunteering is a great way to get socially active. The social element of volunteering is much better than scrolling on social media- where you are mostly in control of who you will meet; it involves meeting new people from all walks of life, working together with them, sharing experiences, doing meaningful work and having fun! And about being active.

2. Engage mind AND body

Physical activity plays a big role in your mental health as well. Notable research has shown that engaging in physical activity makes your body release positive hormones that influence your mood. And unlike the strenuous, competitive environment of the gym or pitch, it takes a milder, friendlier form.

Wanted to try gardening? Like teaching kids to play football? Want to lead a walking group? Volunteering can help you get into any of these. You don't even need to have the required skills for many of these beforehand as training is provided. And even if you need training, we can take care of that. Please visit our Volunteering webpages for further information.

3. Do good, feel good

What purpose is greater in life than to serve a good cause? When you support others, alongside the kind gesture accompanies a sense of worth- of reward and satisfaction. Giving back to your community, your people, and picking up new skills all at once is bound to make you feel better and therefore naturally boosting your self-esteem.

This International Volunteering Day, take some time to appreciate the act of volunteering and maybe even take those first steps yourself. All volunteering activities comes with their own set of benefits so why not try as many or as little as you can and we as Active Together will be here to support you through it all!

Whenever you want to take the first step, here are helpful starting points to find an opportunity to volunteer:

Tags: Mental Wellbeing, News, Partner, Public, Volunteering, Ways to Wellbeing