1. It feels good to help others

Research suggests that helping others can lead to physiological changes in the brain that are linked to happiness.  Volunteering may make us more physically active, or make us more socially active, resulting in this increased sense of well-being.

2. You feel like you belong there

Making new friends and connecting with the community can be facilitated by helping others.  Participating in face-to-face activities, such as volunteering at a food bank, can also help reduce loneliness and isolation.

3. Makes you feel like you’re on a mission

Researchers have found that volunteering enhances an individual’s sense of identity and purpose.  As a result, you will feel rewarded, fulfilled, and empowered when you help others.

4. Having a sense of perspective is maintained by giving

Giving back to others, especially to those who are less fortunate than yourself, can put things into perspective and make you feel more positive about your own situation.

5. It spreads easily

It has been found that after watching someone else perform an act of generosity, people are more likely to perform their own. As a result, dozens of people can be inspired to make a difference.  

6. You can live a longer life if you help others

Volunteering improves your ability to manage stress, stave off disease and increase your sense of happiness. Volunteering may alleviate loneliness and enhance social connections.

7. You will feel rejuvenated

You can learn to help yourself by helping others. The activism cure is an excellent way to get back to feeling like yourself after you’ve gone through a difficult experience or just have a case of the blues.

8. You’ll boost your self-esteem

Researchers have found that people who volunteer have a higher sense of wellbeing and self-esteem. Your consistency can also affect the rewards you receive from volunteering. Volunteering regularly will build your confidence.

9. You will develop stronger friendships

You can improve your friendships by giving off positive vibes when you help others.  Being a force for good in a friend’s life can help build a lasting bond.

10. As a result, you become an optimist

You may be able to change your outlook and attitude by making a positive impact on someone else. Performing acts of kindness boosts your mood and makes you more optimistic and positive, according to experts.

11.TRULY A GOOD FEELING

Researchers have recently discovered some physiological changes that occur when we lend a helping hand. People have been aware that helping others feels good for years. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems interact, as does the dopamine-mediated euphoria (helper’s high). We feel a sense of well-being and a warm glow when these changes take place (a feeling researchers refer to as “moral elevation”).

12. IMPROVES SELF-ESTEEM

The self-esteem of people who volunteer is higher than that of those who do not volunteer. The more consistent one is in volunteering, the more self-confidence and self-esteem one gains.

13. IT SERVES A PURPOSE

We feel empowered and fulfilled when we help others. As well as seeing our place in the world, we can also understand our roles in it. Researchers believe that experiencing these feelings and gaining this perspective can help each of us realise our identity and purpose in life.