It feels good to give. Sure, giving back should be an altruistic, selfless notion, but the truth is that giving back is good for both the giver and the recipient. Studies even prove that there are amazing benefits to giving, whether you are taking on a regular volunteer position, donating money, or simply doing a random act of kindness.
Giving back is important, volunteerism is vital and paying it forward every day. Making sure that our kids are empathetic towards others is also extremely important.
You may live longer
Volunteering may not just be good for the recipient of your time and kindness,
but it may be good for your own health too. Researchers found a 20% increase
in mortality among volunteers compared to non-volunteers.
You may be happier
Volunteering makes people happy. People who volunteer have lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction, and a more positive well-being than those who do not do volunteer work.
You can build your resume
Volunteering can be a great way to gain work experience especially when you are volunteering in your field of interest trying to master a new skill, or hoping to on-ramp back into the work force.
You can strengthen a bond
It is true that people usually feel good when they make a charitable donation, but they feel even better if they make the donation directly to someone they know or on behalf of someone they know. The greatest happiness boost comes from giving to a charity via a friend, relative, or social connection, rather than simply making an anonymous donation to a worthy cause.
You will set a good example
Children who make an effort to perform acts of kindness report being happier and feeling more accepted by their peers. Being kind to others can have a cyclical effect in that those who are kind are less likely to be bullies, and those who are kind (and therefore more accepted) are less likely to be bullied. So let’s be a good example for the next generation and teach them ways to be kind to others.
Your heart will thank you
Kindness is good for your heart, both figuratively and literally. Older adults who volunteer have lower blood pressure than those who do not volunteer. However, the benefits on the heart start young, too. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality, and the first signs of the disease can begin to appear during adolescence. Research shows 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.
Why Giving Back is Good for You
Margaret Mead once said to, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” People who give to others are not just showing them that they matter. They are showing that action matters; that taking a stance matters. Doing what you can matters.
Kind deed suggestions
See someone asking for food on the street corner? Make them dinner.
If you see someone asking for help.. food money or change.. don’t look straight an ignore. Let down that window.. and speak. Even if u give a penny.. help… if your to scared to help somebody give vov the penny and we will do it for you.. with your donation
Break the ice with your neighbors by treating them to a tasty dessert from your country.
Show up at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter or a local church and ask how you can get involved in your community today.
Shovel the snow/mow the lawn for that elderly couple next door, bring them firewood or just take them out for dinner. They might be lonely and would love your company.
Are you a web designer? Redo a website for your old friend, because you can, because they cannot and just because.
Offer to babysit your neighbor’s or friend’s child or walk their pet when they are gone.
Treat your neighbors to dinner.
Join Idealist.
Join LinikedIn for Volunteers and share your professional skills with nonprofits and people in need.
Drop by the local animal shelter and fill out a volunteer application.
Contact hospitals and elderly care facilities in your area.
Help out a nomadic stranger.
Check out the “VOV” volunteer rewards program
Join the Food Not Bombs movement.
Become a disaster relief volunteer.
Donate your clothes to a local thrift store.
Join a local food drive.
Volunteer at a local school.
Mentor someone who needs an ear and a helping hand.
Join the Meals on Wheels service which delivers meals to the elderly.
Take point 20 a step further. Spend some time with the elderly, take them out for walks. Talk to them. Be there. Sometimes that’s all they need.
Join the TaskRabbit
Volunteer at a local hospice (only if you are ready for it emotionally – it’s not for everyone).
Adopt a highway in your area.
Volunteer at a community garden.