Volunteering doesn’t just make a difference in others’ lives, it can transform your own, too. In this article, we'll dive into the powerful mental health benefits of volunteering. We'll explore how giving back to your community can give you a sense of purpose, reduce stress, and bring immense pleasure to your life. Whether you’re looking for ways to feel happier, make new friends, or find a sense of pride and identity, this guide will help you discover how a little time volunteering can deliver big rewards. Let's explore why lending a hand can put a smile on your face and bring a little extra joy to your life.
How volunteering helps mental health
1. Mental health benefits of volunteering
The impacts of volunteering go beyond the deed itself. When you lend a hand, you feel a sense of accomplishment that can brighten your life. It can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, giving you a more positive view of your life and future. A Mayo Clinic research shows that helping others helps counteract anxiety by focusing your mind on meaningful work rather than daily worries.
For single mums, keeping mental health challenges in check is a regular struggle. Volunteering allows you to address these mental health concerns by finding purpose in small acts of kindness.
2. It is good for your mind and body
Volunteering has physical health benefits as well. When you engage in community service, your hormones and brain activity shift, helping you relax. This can lower your blood pressure, improve physical health, and make you feel happier and healthier overall.
For single mums like us who are not getting enough social interaction, volunteering connects you to others. It offers a chance to meet new friends. It’s also a way to counter the stigma of feeling isolated while enhancing your overall health.
3. Volunteering connects you to others
One of the best perks of volunteering is the way it brings you closer to others. You’re joining a group of people who care about the same things and want to make a difference. This can help you make new friends and build a solid support network.
Helping out gives you a chance to meet people from different walks of life. It can be your energising escape from daily mummy routines. You can help at a local food bank, a soup kitchen or even a museum docent program. You have plenty of opportunities to make friends while doing good.
4. It can help advance your career
Beyond mental health, volunteering can also help you advance your career. You get to enhance your résumé through the experience you gain by working in various areas. It's one way to explore different kinds of work and find your strengths. If you are a shy type of employee, this kind of work can also help build your self-confidence. That's hitting two birds with one stone!
5. It gives you a sense of purpose and fulfilment
When you contribute to something larger than yourself, you feel a sense of pride and identity. This feeling reduces depression and helps you feel more content in life. By volunteering, you create a meaningful connection to the community. Whether delivering meals to seniors or supporting a local health organization, it brings immense pleasure and helps you feel valued and accomplished.
6. It helps you learn new skills
Volunteering is a great way to learn new things in a low-pressure environment. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities that help you grow and expand your knowledge. You can learn about healthcare, community work, or even animal care. With your newly-found skills, you can boost your self-confidence and gain a sense of accomplishment. These skills can be incredibly valuable, especially if you have potential career prospects.
7. It connects you to the community
Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to connect and give back to your community. When you lend a helping hand, you’re part of a team working toward a common goal. This sense of connection can be life-changing. Knowing you’re part of something bigger and that you’re not alone in your efforts can offer immense relief from everyday struggles. It feels good to know you're building a stronger community and a better place for your children.
8. It helps reduce stress
So how does volunteering help reduce stress? When you’re busy lending a hand, it takes your mind off your worries and provides a positive view of your life. Studies in the U.S. have shown that volunteering can reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being.
When you feel like drowning in the daily challenges of raising kids, helping out can be a distraction. Giving back to others is a fulfilling way to counteract the effects of stress and improve your overall mental health.
When it all feels overwhelming, remember there are communities and people ready to support you. Reach out to pages like Single Mama Way, where you’ll find fellow single mums who understand what you’re going through. They offer counselling and guidance to help you regain control and find joy in life again.
Further reading: 10 Calming tips for single mothers.
FAQs
What types of volunteering are good for your mental health?
From helping in a community garden, working with animals, or supporting local seniors to working remotely via phone or computer, countless types of volunteering benefit your mental health. Choose volunteer work that aligns with your interests.
If you don't have a lot of spare time, there are flexible opportunities where you can render a few hours per week. This way, volunteering feels less like a task on your to-do list and more like a fulfilling experience that prevents mental health conditions.
How much time should you spend volunteering?
The time you dedicate to lending a hand is entirely up to you. Research has shown that around 100 hours per year, or about two hours per week, can deliver significant mental health benefits. But even an hour here and there can make a positive impact.
I know how difficult it is for us single mums to balance time, so start small if needed. Even lending a hand for one hour a week can help you feel accomplished and connected. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference without feeling overwhelmed by time commitments.
Wrapping it up: How volunteering helps mental health
Volunteering is more than just giving back. It’s a way to improve your mental health and create a meaningful connection with your community. It helps you reduce anxiety, gain new skills, and find meaning and identity.
I remember when I first volunteered at a local animal shelter. Honestly, I thought it’d just be a nice thing to do for the community, but it turned out to be a major mental boost for me. I met people who became close friends, learned to care for animals, and came out feeling more connected and content. Even if you only volunteer a couple of hours here and there, it’s amazing how much happiness it can add to your life. The joy you get from volunteering is real, it makes everything a bit richer. Give it a shot, you might be surprised!
Further reading: 10 Calming tips for single mothers.
