Do you volunteer in your community? Maybe you help out at a soup kitchen or food bank. Or, maybe you pledge your time at the local animal shelter. No project is too small or insignificant!
Even the smallest good deed can go a long way. In addition to the awesome feeling that comes with giving of your time, talent or resources, here are a few more benefits to giving:
- It could extend your life: Researchers found a 20 percent increase in mortality among volunteers compared to non-volunteers.
- It’s a mood booster: People who volunteer have lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction, and a more positive well-being compared to those who don’t give their time.
- You can make friends: Volunteering affords you with the opportunity to meet like-minded people who share mutual interests. There’s never such thing as too many friends!
- It’s heart healthy: Studies indicate that teens who volunteer even just one hour per week can have lower levels of inflammation, lower cholesterol, and lower BMIs than those who do not volunteer.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make a difference!