Guest Author - Jackie O´Neal

The Benefits Of Volunteer Work


Sometime ago, I read an article in Prevention Magazine that lauded the benefits of volunteering. Among some important therapeutic effects mentioned, the chiefest one was the biochemical activity in the brain and the consequent release of endorphins, more commonly known as the “feel good’ chemicals that help combat stress.

I have done my own experimentation as a volunteer, and have found that the visits I make to my local Nursing Home as a Eucharistic Minister and also a Creative Arts instructor energize my both physically and mentally. It would be impossible to overemphasize the rewards and joys of volunteer work!

In a study conducted by Allan Luks of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in NYC some time ago, it was demonstrated that among the 3,296 people who volunteered to care for the homeless and offer assistance to AIDS patients- 95% discovered a sense of well-being and a sense of having their self-esteem bolstered.
At the same time, feelings of worthlessness or negative self-perceptions brought about by stress, diminished.

In addition, volunteering not only has psychological and physical benefits for the person, but also helps the individual draw attention away from self while focusing on others, hence deflating negative self-centerdness.

One of the main reasons why individuals may feel depressed, or lonely could be related to feelings of loss of control over one’s life and environment, and thereby, helps in dealing with any stressors in a more effective way.
When choosing volunteer activities, it is essential to be consistent in participation. In fact, Luk’s study demonstrated that volunteering at least two hours a week helped promote good health in the participants of the study. With fewer hours invested, it would be more difficult to observe optimal results according to the study.

Like everything else, you will only derive benefits based on how much you invest into the activity.

William Penn once wrote: “I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore there be only kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Keeping those words of wisdom in mind, the next step would be to search out appropriate volunteer opportunities.

Sometimes if we keep our eyes and ears open, we can easily find them in our own communities without having to travel very far, or spend money on gas. I suggest visiting:http://www.actsofkindness.org for more suggestions.

I had the honor of speaking with Julie Kauffman of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, and she offered some great tips for individuals to volunteer on their own in daily life:

.Send a thank you card to someone
.Hold open a door for someone
.Help elderly neighbors do Spring planting,or lawn clean-up

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