The Benefits of Volunteering

COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of maintaining one’s mental health. With fewer opportunities for social interaction and for accessing the community support systems we might typically rely on, we’ve been forced to figure out new ways to deal with the stress of the pandemic. For many people, this has involved finding new forms of exercise, spending time outdoors, making homemade meals, finding ways to connect with family and friends online, or even picking up new hobbies. 

For others, volunteering has been a source of happiness during this unpredictable time. Volunteering fosters a sense of togetherness. This has been difficult to manage during the pandemic. Since many in-person interactions are unsafe, our amount of social activity has significantly decreased, leaving many of us feeling disconnected and lonely. Volunteering provides a way to meet new people and feel socially connected, even if interactions mostly take place online. 

In addition to helping people feel more connected, volunteering can help build a sense of community and purpose, two things that can be hard to maintain during a time of social isolation. 

Another benefit of volunteering is that it can also help boost self-esteem through the knowledge that we are contributing to a cause we care about and making a difference in the lives of others. Seeing the positive benefits our actions have can help improve our mood and sense of belonging. 

Going on moves not only allows us to see how our hard work benefits the community but also to have some much needed social interaction. Moves are an excellent way to find that connection to our community and to each other.