Maybe you have seen ads online for various organizations that are advertising for volunteer assistance. Maybe it has crossed your mind to want to volunteer, but you don’t know where to start or if you have the time. There is a strong argument for making the time, though; research has suggested that people who volunteer tend to feel happier and more satisfied with their lives. For more on how volunteering can positively impact mental health, consider reading the Mayo Clinic’s Guide on the Benefits of Volunteering.
My Early Experience with Volunteering
When I was a teen, I was involved in many after-school activities. I never felt like I had enough time for my social life, homework, church, and family. I loved being busy and involved with my various clubs and sports. During this period of my life, I joined a choir group at my church that would travel to nursing homes in the area to sing and perform for the residents.
I loved visiting older adults.
They were always so kind, but often looked lonely and seemed isolated from the rest of society. My choir director would encourage us to go out into the audience after the performance at a nursing home, and socialize with the residents. During these times, I was often nervous about what I should say or do.
I remember specifically this one older gentleman who looked at me, grabbed my hand, and said to me that I looked like I had character in my eyes. I was not sure what he meant by that, and was a little creeped out that he had grabbed for my hand. But I sat there and listened to him as he told me stories of his youth, as well as his own grandchildren whom he missed because they had moved away and could not visit often. I mostly sat there, nodded at times, and smiled as he told his stories.
Life Got Busy After High School
The stories of this man always stuck with me, and a little piece of my heart always knew someday I needed to volunteer with this population. Yet I struggled to find the time. I went away to college and fought my way through, taking 21 credit hours at times.
It was not until my junior year I decided to get more involved in activities, like I had in high school. I joined the gerontology club along with the social work club. They often did outreach in the community as well as volunteering at a local nursing home once per month. I figured once a month could be doable for me. I had known I wanted to volunteer with older folks for a long time, so this was my chance.
Long story short, I ended up loving it! I spent my free time two to four days a week going to visit my favorite residents at the nursing home. The joy and fulfillment it gave me helped me put aside the busyness and stress of the week. One thing led to the next and I soon began volunteering at an alternative high school on Fridays when I did not have classes.
Most of my free time was filled with helping others, and it never felt like work to me. This experience also reminded me of the importance of nurturing resilience and hope, especially for young adults facing challenges. For more insights, you might find Nurturing Hope and Resilience: A Guide for Young Adults Facing Isolation helpful.
I began to enjoy college. My stress and anxiety were lifted by helping others and it really made a difference in the person I came to be. Teens often feel nervous, as I myself did, about having enough time, knowing what to do or say, or simply not knowing how to get started. I would challenge your teens to get out of their comfort zones, find something they are passionate about, and go for it! Volunteering and giving to others can be incredibly satisfying and helps to build empathy that cannot be learned by any method other than service.
When You Help Others, You Help Yourself
Consider reaching out to your local food pantry, homeless shelter, animal shelter, nursing home, hospital, or church. There are so many opportunities to serve your community! Here are just a few of the positive benefits of volunteering, according to psychologists:
- Reduces Stress: It gives you a feeling of accomplishment and altruism, which can boost your mood.
- Combats Depression: Volunteering can keep the mind distracted from a destructive habit like negative thinking.
- Prevents Feelings of Isolation: You can find community and new friendships.
- Increases Confidence: Some volunteering activities require learning new skills and can boost social skills.
- Gives a Sense of Purpose and Meaning: Many find a sense of purpose through meaningful work and experiences.
- Ignites Passion: Volunteering is also a fun way to explore different interests or perhaps even work alongside a master.
- Makes You Happy: Research shows that feel-good hormones and brain activity spike during volunteer activities.
Consider contacting the local organization of your choice to get started today! It only takes one smile, one act of kindness, and one step forward to create positive change for not only the person you are serving, but ultimately yourself.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering is more than just giving your time; it’s about making a meaningful impact on both others and yourself. Whether you’re helping at a local shelter, mentoring youth, or spending time with older adults, the act of volunteering can lead to profound improvements in mental health, including reduced stress, increased happiness, and a deeper sense of purpose. Encouraging teens and young adults to volunteer can also be a great way to help them develop empathy, build confidence, and find their passion. So, take that first step—start small, find a cause that resonates with you, and watch as the benefits of volunteering unfold in your life.
