When you think of volunteering, you might picture charity shops, beach clean-ups, or helping out at a local food bank. And while those are great ways to give back to the world, volunteering is also one of the best things you can do for yourself. From improving mental health to building skills that boost your career, giving your time can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you have an hour a week or just want to get involved occasionally, here’s why volunteering is worth considering.
1. Volunteering is a Mental Health Superpower
Life can be a lot. Between studying, work, social media, and the general chaos of adulthood, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and volunteering may just feel like something you don’t have the capacity for. Research has shown however that helping others actually helps you too; volunteering reduces stress, improves mood, and increases overall happiness. In fact, over 75% of volunteers say it has a huge positive impact on their mental well-being.
Why? Because doing good releases dopamine (aka the ‘feel-good’ hormone), helping you feel more connected, fulfilled, and just generally better. It’s basically free therapy- with the bonus of making the world a better place.
2. It’s Good for Your Body Too
Okay, so volunteering isn’t exactly a workout (unless you’re doing something super active), but research from Harvard suggests it actually boosts physical health too. Volunteers have lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and even live longer. Yep, giving back could literally add years to your life. Plus, keeping your mind engaged and socially active helps prevent cognitive decline as you get older. So, future you will thank you.
3. You’ll Pick Up Skills That’ll Look Amazing on Your CV
Think of volunteering as the ultimate life hack for boosting your career. You’ll develop communication skills, leadership abilities, problem-solving techniques- basically, everything employers love to see. In fact, 41% of hiring managers say they consider volunteer experience just as valuable as paid work.
And here’s the best part: volunteering lets you gain hands-on experience in different fields without needing prior qualifications. Want to get into marketing? Try volunteering for a charity’s social media team. Interested in mental health? Become a peer supporter online. It’s a low-risk, high-reward way to test the waters before diving into a career path.
4. You’ll Meet Incredible People
Making new friends as an adult can be hard. But volunteering connects you with like-minded people who care about the same things you do. Whether you’re working on a community project or supporting others online, you’ll expand your social circle and maybe even make lifelong friends.
Research from UC Berkeley found that volunteering fosters a sense of belonging and helps combat loneliness. So if you’re feeling disconnected, this is a great way to get involved, meet awesome people, and be part of something bigger than yourself.
5. It Gives You a Real Sense of Purpose
Sometimes, life can feel a little… directionless. We all hit moments where we wonder, what’s the point? Volunteering can help with that. Getting involved in something meaningful gives you a sense of purpose, which studies link to higher life satisfaction and better mental resilience.
It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment either. Even small acts- like checking in on someone, offering support in an online peer support community like TalkLife, or mentoring- can make a massive difference. And knowing you’ve had a positive impact? That’s a feeling money can’t buy.
How to Get Started
There are so many ways to volunteer, no matter your schedule. If you’re short on time, online volunteering (like becoming a peer supporter on TalkCampus) is a flexible, rewarding option. If you prefer in-person activities, check out sites like VolunteerMatch or Do-it.org to find something that suits your interests.
The key is to find something you’re passionate about. Love mental health advocacy? Want to help the environment? Keen to support vulnerable people? There’s a volunteering opportunity out there with your name on it.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, volunteering isn’t just about giving back- it’s about growing as a person. It can boost your confidence, improve your well-being, expand your network, and even shape your future career. So why not give it a go? You never know how much it could change your life until you try.