Volunteering is not just about helping others. It can also be a powerful way to support your own brain and emotional wellness. Many people think of volunteering as something that benefits the community, but research shows it can do a lot for your mind and mood too.
When you volunteer, you often use your brain in new ways. You might learn new skills, solve problems, or interact with different people. These activities can help keep your mind sharp as you get older. Studies have found that adults who volunteer regularly, even just a couple of hours a week, tend to have less age-related cognitive decline. This means they are better able to think, remember, and make decisions as they age.
Helping others can also improve your emotional health. Volunteering often gives people a sense of purpose and belonging. It can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common as people get older. When you connect with others through volunteering, you build friendships and support networks. These relationships can make you feel happier and more satisfied with life.
Volunteering can also lower stress and help with symptoms of depression. When you focus on helping someone else, it can take your mind off your own worries. Many people find that giving their time to a cause they care about brings a sense of joy and fulfillment. This positive feeling can last long after the volunteer work is done.
Face-to-face volunteering, like helping at a local food bank or reading to children, seems to offer the most benefits. Being around other people and sharing experiences can boost your mood and strengthen your social skills. But even remote or virtual volunteering can be helpful if it keeps your mind active and connects you with others.
In short, volunteering is a simple way to care for both your brain and your emotions. Whether you are helping out at a community event or offering support to a neighbor, your efforts can make a difference in your own life as well as the lives of others.
Sources
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a69278154/volunteering-slows-cognitive-aging-study/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12576993/
https://pkcm.org/how-volunteering-boosts-ental-health-and-strengthens-u-s-communities/
https://scitechdaily.com/new-study-helping-others-slows-cognitive-decline-by-up-to-20/
