Volunteering: The Surprising Benefits for Mental and Physical Health

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back to the community; it’s also a powerful tool for enhancing both mental and physical wellbeing – it can have profound effects!

It provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment and can increase self esteem and a greater sense of belonging. These positive feelings can combat stress, anxiety and depression, promoting overall mental resilience.

The social connections and support networks built with others as part of volunteering reduce loneliness and isolation.

Volunteering could also benefit your physical wellbeing if you selected something like dog walking, helping at events, gardening, environmental clean up. The benefits of physical movement are well known for example weight management, cardiovascular health and overall vitality.

Best of all, volunteering doesn’t have to be a long term commitment. Community organisations are breaking down their needs into one off tasks, so you can just try it out and see how it goes.

To find the right volunteering opportunity for you, or someone you care about, check out our Volunteer Portal at nfphouse.org.au.

Happy volunteering!! 

Lois from NFP House, where you can contact us anytime, to make a difference to your life and our community!