ISD - VOICE Mentor Program’s Post

In the 2018 General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering, and Participating, volunteers were asked about which factors were important drivers in their decision to volunteer for the organization they contributed the most hours. Factor: Improve well-being or health = 51% Find more details and provincial breakdowns at the Canadian Knowledge Hub for Giving and Volunteering. https://lnkd.in/ehsDNz_v Volunteers choose to volunteer for the benefit of their own well-being and health because it provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, enhances social connections, reduces stress, and improves mental health. Volunteering often involves physical activity, promoting better physical health, and offers opportunities for skill development and personal growth, boosting self-esteem. The positive emotions from altruism, along with the resilience and coping skills gained, contribute to overall well-being. Plus, the exposure to diverse life situations fosters empathy and gratitude, leading to a more positive outlook on life. These factors and more can make volunteering a holistic approach to enhancing both mental and physical health. . . . #GivingAndVolunteering #CanadaCharity #CanadianKnowledgeHub #Volunteerism #LOVols #VolunteerManagement #VolunteerEngagement #StatsCanada #VolunteerCanada #VMPC

Did you know that volunteering can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing? 💚 Giving back to others not only helps your community but can also boost your own mental health and happiness. 🤝 Connection and community: Volunteering allows you to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Social connections are vital for emotional support and can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. 😊 Sense of purpose: Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that you're making a difference in someone's life can boost self-esteem and improve overall wellbeing. 🧠 Mental stimulation: Engaging in volunteer work can provide mental stimulation and challenge your skills and abilities. Learning new things and overcoming challenges can improve cognitive function and mental agility. 🌈 Positive outlook: Helping others and witnessing the impact of your actions can shift your perspective towards positivity. Volunteering can help you focus on gratitude, compassion, and the good in the world. 🌱 Personal growth: Volunteering can be a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. It can help you develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself and others. Whether it's mentoring, environmental conservation, community service, or any other form of volunteering, find a cause that resonates with you and get involved! Even a few hours a month can make a difference. #selectability #Wellbeing #Tips #MentalHealth #Volunteering

Volunteering can combat loneliness and boost your mental health. Read about 5 things to consider before starting - https://hubs.la/Q02ytw2W0 #MentalHealth #Volunteering #WhyIVolunteer #TheSocialGoodNetwork

Volunteering can make a massive impact in the community around you. It can get us to see the world through other perspectives 👀 It can benefit our mental health 🤩 It can ignite new passions and talents we never knew we had 👩🌾 It can open professional doors we never knew existed 🚪 It can lead to building new relationships 🤝 It can help us grow spiritually, emotionally, professionally and personally 🪴 Never underestimate the power of serving others and the health of the planet. Sometimes, we get easily caught up in our lives, challenges, goals, and wants, and we forget that life is so much bigger than us. Sometimes, we focus too much on what we don’t have that we forget how much we do. Volunteering can provide us with deeply enriching experiences that can get us unstuck and out of our own way. #volunteer #time #knowledge #serve #others #perspective #shift #connect

We've been volunteering for 7+ years now and it has given great mental health benefits. Lets see how! We juggle work deadlines, personal commitments, and the constant hum of information overload. It's no surprise that stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation are on the rise. But what if we told you there's a simple, rewarding way to combat these challenges? Volunteering! It might seem counterintuitive – giving away your free time. But hear us out. Research shows a clear link between volunteering and improved mental health. A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that volunteers experience greater life satisfaction, better overall health, and a stronger sense of purpose. Furthermore, those who volunteered more frequently reported even greater benefits. Here's why volunteering works its magic: 1) Sense of Purpose: Stepping outside yourself and contributing to a cause bigger than yourself fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. You see the direct impact of your efforts, which is incredibly motivating. 2) Social Connection: Volunteering connects you with like-minded individuals who share your values. This social interaction combats feelings of isolation and loneliness, both of which can negatively impact mental health. 3) Increased Self-Esteem: Helping others and mastering new skills cultivates a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. This positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in managing stress and anxiety. 4) Reduced Stress: Studies suggest that helping others can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. This can have a calming effect, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Here are some tips for finding the perfect volunteer opportunity: Think about your skills and interests. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? Leverage your strengths to make a meaningful impact. Consider time commitment. Volunteering can be as flexible or intensive as you like. There are one-time events, weekly commitments, or even virtual opportunities that fit any schedule. You might be surprised at how much joy, purpose, and connection you find by giving back. What are your experiences with volunteering? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #volunteering #mentalhealth #wellbeing #giveback #ilamkurudhi #coimbatorengo

🌟 The Health Benefits of Volunteering 🌟 Did you know that giving your time and energy to others can profoundly impact your own well-being? Research shows that volunteering not only enriches the lives of those we serve but also brings significant health benefits to us. A study from the Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over 50 who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke . Volunteering has also been linked to lower levels of stress, greater life satisfaction, and even longer life expectancy. The simple act of helping others triggers the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter, creating what some call a “helper’s high.” This powerful effect improves mood, reduces anxiety, and enhances your overall emotional well-being . As we work in mental health and social services, the power of connection and community is something we witness daily. But how often do we take a moment to reflect on how these principles apply to our own lives? How might we integrate more acts of service into our routines, not just for the benefit of others, but for our own health and happiness? Questions to Reflect On: - How can you incorporate more volunteering or acts of service into your life? - In what ways have you noticed a change in your own well-being after helping others? - How can we encourage and support our clients in finding meaningful ways to give back, thereby enhancing their own recovery and sense of purpose? Remember, by giving of ourselves, we don’t just contribute to the world; we also cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life for ourselves. Let’s embrace the power of service, not just as a professional value, but as a personal practice that enriches our own lives and the lives of those we touch. Source: 1. Carnegie Mellon University. (2013). "Volunteering reduces risk of hypertension in older adults." 2. Brown, S. L., & Okun, M. A. (2014). "Psychological Benefits of Volunteering for Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis." #MentalHealth #Volunteering #CommunityService #HealthBenefits #Inspiration #WellBeing #SocialServices #PurposefulLiving

Could you spare just one hour a week to improve your health and happiness? This small commitment could slow your biological ageing while enhancing your mental health. It might even help you live longer and enjoy life more. The best part? All you need to do is volunteer. “Volunteering is more than a good deed; it’s an investment in your own well-being,” explained study lead author Dr. Susan Harris, a sociologist at the University of Michigan. A recent Social Science and Medicine study reveals a fascinating link: volunteering for as little as one hour each week is associated with slower biological ageing. #volunteering #wellbeing #ageing #happiness

Could you spare just one hour a week to improve your health and happiness? This small commitment could slow your biological ageing while enhancing your mental health. It might even help you live longer and enjoy life more. The best part? All you need to do is volunteer. “Volunteering is more than a good deed; it’s an investment in your own well-being,” explained study lead author Dr. Susan Harris, a sociologist at the University of Michigan. A recent Social Science and Medicine study reveals a fascinating link: volunteering for as little as one hour each week is associated with slower biological ageing. #volunteering #wellbeing #ageing #happiness

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer – but the benefits of volunteering can be enormous! From connecting you with others and boosting your to mental health to career advancements and just pure joy, learn more about the benefits of giving back with the link below. #Volunteer #NVW #NationalVolunteerWeek