How Taking Time to Give Back can Make a Big Impression on the Community and Improve Your State-of-Mind
There are several factors when it comes to the benefits of giving back, many of which address our health and well-being. Because of this, more and more volunteers and good doers are being noticed or going viral on social media for their display of giving. There is a study that was done in Canada showing the statistics of those that volunteered in different parts of Canada. The studies revealed that 85% of Ontario volunteers said their health was good in comparison to 79% of those that were not volunteers. There were 2% of volunteers that rated their health as poor after volunteering and one-third of those that did not volunteer rated their health as being the same.
Ontario is not the only province in Canada or region within the world that concluded similar ratings when it came to their health in regard to volunteering. Ratings can be high or low depending – at times – on what kind of community giving is being done. Several individuals credit the area and the project as benefiting to good physical and mental health. Prophet Kofi Danso states that the act of giving initially makes one feel good, but the appreciation that is given also plays a part. After viewing how giving back makes a difference in another’s life will at times show how minor and controllable your own life’s problems are.
Although more research is still being conducted, it shows that individuals who avoid or have little social interactions live a shorter life opposed to those that have a greater social circle. Being able to volunteer helps especially if you are not near family or friends. Doing so improves your emotional well-being and physical health by way of social interaction.
The Perks of Giving Back
Developing a set of new skills. This is considered a value because you are expanding your mind and ability. You are able to gather new perspective of the environment around you. Acquiring new skills is commonly associated with volunteering. Spending time and appreciating those that need you presents opportunities that would have never been presented if the act of giving was not being done. The skills learned such as public speaking, communication, or aid can be listed on your resume as credited experience for a job.
Creating new social circles. Regardless of race, age, social status, or upbringing, Prophet Kofi Danso says that creating a new social circle from those that you would not normal interact with brings a new sense of purpose to your life. You are exposed to other cultures, new experiences, and a new outlook on how to make society better via your community. For those that transplant to an unknown city, you can battle loneliness and boredom by volunteering and surrounding yourself with individuals from different walks of life.
The value of giving back to your community. There are several people in a community that can benefit from giving back, whether they are the ones giving or receiving. It can improve your health and hone your social skills if needed while in the community. Help with a boys and girls club, teaching a new language, being involved with a soup kitchen or read aloud to preschoolers. In the community, you have the ability to become an influencer of good. The impact you can have on others is huge for them to contribute the same. Giving back to the community shows your appreciation for it and those living in the community as well.
Evolve as a person. Beyond health benefits, you can grow as a person when you volunteer. This is possible by acknowledging your likes and dislikes. Volunteering can show you a different side to your personality or unexplored new traits. For instance, your career could change because while volunteering you found a new passion. There are many people who have done a career change to either non-profit or helping the community after volunteering.
Being appreciated and giving appreciation. Giving back offers the chance to feel needed and appreciated and for the other on the receiving end to feel understood. Other aspects in your life may be taken for granted by others when it concerns you, but it is not the same for the community. People who have never met you will appreciate you ten times over because you cared. You dared to give your time and lend an ear to the world.
Conclusion
There is value in giving back. The act of giving back creates several benefits for the giver and receiver. There are new friendships formed, new understanding for life, a purpose in life, and the want to feel needed and give back. Subjecting yourself to improving someone else’s life is said to improve your own life span and theirs. You can help someone lead a valuable life because you dedicated the time to give back.