Why Should You Volunteer?
Research has proven that volunteering is good for both mental and physical well-being! Donating your time has significant health benefits, such as the release of dopamine and endorphins, better social connection, increased life satisfaction, etc. With volunteering, not only are you bettering the community and the lives of others, but you are also bettering yourself. It’s a win-win!
The impact that volunteering has on the community would be the most well known positive of donating your time. Volunteering is amazing for connecting with others and making a community better. Giving time to a good cause can better many lives, and seeing such beneficial impact will only foster a personal sense of pride, and a feeling of being a part of something greater.
Better the Community
Volunteering is an amazing way to meet and connect with people or organizations. A shared activity for a greater good is a beautiful way to meet and bond with like-minded individuals. Such strengthened social ties will result in a stronger sense of community, and improved social support. Such connection may result in further opportunities, fun and satisfying activities, and resources.
Further, if you are shy, volunteering is a great way to practice and develop social skills in a safe place with people of similar mindsets. Even when volunteering online, there may be Zoom events or in person meetups that are wonderful to attend.
Social Connection
UnitedHealth Group found that a majority of their surveyed 3,351 adults reported feeling mentally and physically better after sharing their time for a good cause. Much of societal living is reward based, and by performing intentional acts of kindness we can foster a greater sense of pride, perspective, and connection. Often, volunteering can improve self-confidence. By donating your time to a good cause, a stronger sense of identity may be formed, as well as a more positive life outlook, as a result.
The donation of time and improved social connection reduces loneliness and may help in combating depression. A support system, regular schedule, and consistent contact with others assists in the protection against depression and isolation.
Volunteering is associated with better physical health including a lengthened lifespan and lowered blood pressure, as found in research conducted by Carnegie Mellon University. Blood pressure is a good indicator of health as high blood pressure can relate to stroke, heart disease, and premature death. Performing volunteer work may have the ability to increase physical activity for someone who is not normally active, which also betters physical health.
Mental and Physical Well-Being
Nowadays, organizations may offer virtual or in person volunteer opportunities! Multiple factors may affect someone’s ability to volunteer in-person such as lack of transportation, disability, etc., but many opportunities are still available virtually in our digital age (like Letters Against Depression! We are completely virtual). If you are looking for a virtual site, keep in mind the level of social interaction you would prefer- some places may meet over Zoom while others may keep interactions through email. What would give you the most, personally, out of your volunteer experience?
Accessibility
Although volunteer work is unpaid, the skills you receive from donating your time to a greater good is valuable and may be beneficial to career experience, or just to everyday living. Volunteering allows the opportunity for the practice of important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, project planning, etc. These skills further add to an individual’s sense of self, and therefore contributes to a positive outlook on life.
There are so many ways that volunteering can positively impact your mental and physical well-being. It improves mood, reduces stress levels, and improves social connection. Volunteering can be done in many ways, and it is important to find a good fit for you, whether that be virtual or in-person. Consider volunteering with us here at Letters Against Depression! We are committed to giving our time via hand-written letters to show people that “you are not alone” and “you matter”!
Valuable Skills
Benefits of Letter Writing
Letters Against Depression is committed to offering people hope and support via hand-written letters! You can help us by volunteering to write letters for those who need it. Letter writing is a creative outlet, and is incredibly beneficial for both sender and receiver!
Letter-writing has had its revival, and is no longer a lost art. During initial quarantine, stationary companies reported a trend increase in the sales of writing papers and notecards; TikTok’s hashtag of #penpal also has more than 295 million views. Letter writing is a cathartic, slower paced hobby that can be done anywhere and anytime.
Letter writing is a unique, screen-free activity that can help keep your mind sharp! For those who are looking for an extra way to keep your mind active, letter writing may be a great fit. Writing improves memory, organizational skills, communication, etc. Multiple studies have found disadvantages to lengthy amounts of daily screen time, and letter writing is an opportunity to unplug and become creative. Letter writing boosts creativity, clarity, and broadens perspective. Reaching out to someone, and writing a letter for that person, can offer new and rewarding exchanges as well as self-reflection. Exchanging compassion is a beautiful way to feel and give positive energy. Furthermore, gratitude, or thank you, letters are related to increased happiness for the writer. When expressing gratitude, as well as other positive sentiments, we are contributing to the release of dopamine and serotonin in our brains, also dubbed as “feel good” chemicals. Additionally, after writing a letter, there is a sense of accomplishment, as such communication is thoughtful and requires time and effort.
Writing a letter is a very thoughtful form of communication, in which the sender will appreciate the physicality of the letter, and the time that it took to write, address, and send the mail. Hand-written letters are a beautiful keepsake that can be held onto; many of our recipients here at Letters Against Depression provide feedback mentioning their appreciation for their letters, and how they have held onto them, and look back on the writing when they need a reminder of some kind words. This form of communication allows the recipient to feel important and appreciated. Social connection is an integral aspect of life and optimal functioning; sending and receiving letters boosts social connection in a unique way. The joy and anticipation of sending out a letter, or waiting for receival, is unique and an incredibly special experience, and such social interaction can result in decreased feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation.
When we send a letter, we are telling the receiver that they are important to us! Letter writing creates joy for both sender and receiver. It is a wonderful and unique way to connect with others, while bettering your mind! Letters Against Depression offers the free opportunity to connect with people who need hope and support, via letter writing. Not only will you receive benefits from the act of writing letters themselves, but knowing that your time and effort is going towards helping support individuals facing loneliness or mental health issues is greatly rewarding! Happy writing!
“I’m grateful to LAD for helping me feel a bit less alone through this.”