Things You Can Learn from Volunteering

Let's face it, we all have very busy lives. But, if we'd take a breather from our hectic schedules to volunteer we could learn a lot of valuable things and improve our quality of life. Here are some benefits in being a volunteer. 

It Does the Body Good 

• Reduces Stress: Focusing on someone other than yourself interrupts tension-producing patterns. 
• Strengthened Immune System: Emotions such as optimism, joy and control are created when volunteering. Those positive vibes strengthen a person's immune system. 
• Physical Exercise: Depending on what type of volunteering you are doing, you can get some great physical exercise. 

It Brings People Together 

• Meet New Friends: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people with similar interests. 
• Strengthens Group Dynamics: Whether it's a church group, family or organizational group, volunteering strengthens trust. It builds teamwork by uniting the group to work towards a common goal. 

It Promotes Personal Growth and Self Esteem

• Increases Relationship Skills: Interacting with your peers or people in different age groups, people with a different socioeconomic status, etc. in a group setting helps foster relationship skills. 
• Increases Self-Confidence: Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment.

It Strengthens Communities

• It Shows That People Care: Communities are revised and revamped when people show that they care about the community they live in by helping others with their practical needs. 
• Beautifies a Community: Whether you are volunteering for ECM by cleaning a yard, painting a fence, etc. or volunteering for another organization, you can help make the community more appealing through the community improvement projects.  
• Builds Neighborhood Comradery: Volunteers helping out a particular neighborhood encourage others living in that neighborhood to reach out to each other and lend a helping hand. 

Watch the video and learn what volunteers from Denver Community Church learned from their experience volunteering.