Why is Volunteering Important?

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Monday, January 13, 2020

New York City is one of the busiest places in the world. In a city that is always very busy, it might surprise you that roughly 48% of residents engage in volunteer activities. Volunteering is one of the best things that one can do. Finding a cause that you can lend a hand to can not only help others, but you can get a lot out of the experience. Finding a volunteer organization that you can be passionate about can open a lot of doorways to doing good and and living a happier life. 

Improved Mental Health

Volunteering has been shown to benefit your mental health. Volunteer work can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The sense of community and the overall social contact within a volunteer organization is great for improving your mental health. 
The human species is a pack animal. Helping others gives you a good feeling because we are hard-wired to help others of our tribe, however we define it. Doing good deeds causes your body to release serotonin and other hormones that generate good feelings. Ultimately, people feel happier when they help others.

Improved Physical Health

Surprisingly, volunteering can also improve your physical health. Some studies suggest that volunteering can lead to lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan. This is most likely due to a combination of physical activity and increased positivity from volunteering. Stress is also tied closely to physical health; so reducing it via volunteer work can lead to improved health overall.

Making Connections

Volunteering boosts our social reach and fosters a larger sense of community. Taking the time to join a cause and help others is a good way to meet new people. Often, our circle of friends shrinks as we age. But, by working with a volunteer organization, you can connect with people you might not have met otherwise. You can become exposed to new people, and new friendships.

Helping Your Career

The job market is increasingly competitive. Volunteer experience, for people of all ages, can look good on a resume. Volunteering shows a potential employer that you can take initiative, and that you are willing to give your time to help others. Volunteering is also a great way to network and expand your reach.
Many skills important to employers can be improved upon while volunteering. Communication, teamwork, problem solving, planning, organization, and more are all essential skills in the workplace, that can be built up while helping others.

Creating a Sense of Purpose

Because volunteering does not provide monetary compensation, most people choose causes close to their hearts. Feeling a special connection to a cause helps drive you forward, and makes you want to achieve more. Fundraising and volunteering can help create a sense of purpose; especially in adults. Older adults that are retired or have lost a partner often find a new purpose in volunteering.

For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Sensory Memory and Grief

Memories of lost loved ones can play a major part in our grief. If you see an old photo or an object that reminds you of a memory, you may be flooded with emotions. Sensory memories are those trigg...

Choosing the Right Funeral Home

When a loved one passes, or when pre-planning your funeral, it is important to choose a funeral home that you are comfortable with. Planning a funeral can seem daunting, especially when you are dea...

Should You Attend the Funeral of an Ex-Spouse?

When a loved one dies, it can seem obvious that you should attend the funeral. However, when it comes to your ex-spouse, it can get trickier. Divorces and separations can drastically affect the par...

Firefighter Funeral Services

When a firefighter passes away, there are often special practices associated with their funeral services. This is especially true if they died in the line of duty. Below, we will discuss the differ...

Survivor's Guilt & Coping with Grief

After a traumatic or sudden passing of a loved one, it is common for people to experience Survivor’s Guilt. Survivor’s Guilt is a type of grief that creates feelings of wrong-doing surrounding ...

Consoling Non-Religious Mourners

After the death of a loved one, it is common to say platitudes to the family like “they're in a better place” and “I’m praying for you.” But what if the family member of the loved one is non-religi...

Meditation and Working Through Grief

Meditation is a practice for fostering balance and serenity. More people turn to meditation as a way to find peace in a hectic work week, or to help them stay focused. Big tech companies like Googl...

Terminal Illnesses and Grief

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be hard to process your grief and be there for them. Often, family and friends can be an important support network for the sick individ...

Remembering Mom On Mother's Day

As Mother’s Day draws closer, it can be hard to avoid all the greeting card stands and gift displays in stores. After losing your mother, the upcoming holiday can feel bittersweet. Below, we will d...

Phobias and Funerals

Fear can be a powerful driving force in life, but it can also play a big part in dealing with death. Everyone fears something, and fear can often stop us from experiencing new and unique things. Wh...