Giving back to others not only helps the community, it can also do wonders for your own mood and mental wellbeing. Here’s how volunteering and small acts of kindness can lift your spirits and provide a mental health boost:
Combats Depression
Helping others releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin in the brain, elevating your mood. This can be especially helpful for fighting depressive symptoms. Look for volunteer opportunities that match your interests and skills.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Focusing your attention on helping someone else lets you forget your own troubles for a while. This can lower anxiety levels. Volunteering also adds structure, routine and social interaction to your life, reducing worry.
Builds Self-Confidence
Volunteering challenges us and provides an opportunity to accomplish goals in service of others. You can take pride in using your time and talents to help worthy causes. This gives a great boost to self-esteem.
Teaches Valuable Skills
Volunteering lets you build new skills and gain experiences for your resume. This can open doors career-wise. Develop public speaking, leadership, problem solving and communication abilities while giving back.
Provides a Sense of Purpose
Helping others allows us to make a positive difference in someone’s life when they need it. This can provide a profound sense of purpose and meaning. Look for volunteer opportunities that are fulfilling and impactful.
Fosters New Relationships
Volunteering with groups is a great way to grow your social network with like-minded individuals. This can help combat loneliness and isolation. Connect to your new community and exchange inspiration.
Promotes Physical Health
Volunteer activities like working at food banks, cleaning beaches, and building homes get you moving and outdoors. This not only helps with heart health and disease prevention, but can also boost your mental outlook.
Inspires Gratitude
Seeing how your actions positively affect others cultivates gratitude. This focus on blessings counteracts depression and anxiety. Helping people who are less fortunate also promotes appreciation for what you have.
Now that you know all the ways giving back improves mental health, look for local and online opportunities to volunteer your time and talents. Even the smallest acts of kindness can provide a significant mental boost.
Hammond Psychology and Associates is the go-to resource for residents seeking psychological evaluations from a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area. Click here to learn more about our Psychological Testing services in our Brandon location.