Look, let’s be real. The world can be a hot mess sometimes. We’re all juggling personal stuff, work, and probably some weird Netflix obsession we’re embarrassed to admit (don’t judge me for finishing Tiger King in one sitting). But you know what? There’s something about helping others that feels like a reset button for the soul. Seriously. The benefits of volunteering and giving back go beyond what we usually think.

For real—volunteering is like the secret ingredient in your happiness recipe, and you don’t even need to be Mother Teresa to make it work. Whether you’re walking dogs at the shelter or passing out food to the homeless, volunteering can shift your perspective in ways that’ll blow your mind.

Let me walk you through it.

Why Do We Volunteer?

You might be sitting there, all skeptical, like “Yeah, okay, why would I give up my Saturday morning for someone else’s mess?” Well, I get it. Sometimes it feels like you’ve got your own life to sort out. But, trust me, there’s a vibe to volunteering that makes all your personal drama feel small.

So why do people volunteer? Here are the usual suspects:

• A sense of purpose (That “I’m doing something good!” feeling.)
• Wanting to make a difference (Seems obvious, but hey, it works.)
• Guilt. Yep, I said it. (Like, “I’m not doing enough, maybe I should help?”)
• Seeking new connections (Because sometimes the best friendships are found in a soup kitchen line.)
• Building your resume or gaining experience (Hey, it’s not all about feel-good moments.)

Now, the kicker: the benefits of volunteering and giving back are often greater than whatever “motive” you had in mind when you started. For instance, I didn’t volunteer at the dog shelter for life lessons, but now? That place feels like home.

Mental Health Perks: The Free Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed

Okay, get this: volunteering isn’t just some nice thing to do on a whim. It actually helps you mentally. I know, I was shocked too. But it’s true—research says that people who volunteer regularly experience lower levels of depression and higher satisfaction in life. Sounds like a good deal, right?

When you step outside your own bubble, you suddenly see the world in a totally different light. And for me, that’s meant less time overthinking my own mess.

Here’s how volunteering changes your brain:

• Happiness boost: Helping others? Yeah, that dopamine hit is real. Feels like winning a small lottery, but with more heart.
• Stress reduction: When you’re focused on something bigger than yourself, that constant mental chatter quiets down.
• Connection: Ever feel like you’re the only one stressing out about that meeting tomorrow? Volunteering puts you face-to-face with people who are equally concerned with other stuff—like making sure the homeless shelter has enough beds.

Honestly, my stress levels dropped the first time I helped out at a local food bank. I walked out feeling lighter, like, “Okay, this isn’t the end of the world.” Plus, it made my Zoom fatigue disappear. And that’s saying a lot.

The Physical Side: Who Knew Volunteering Was Good for Your Body?

You know what no one tells you about volunteering? It’s like an accidental workout. Seriously. It’s not just your heart that gets a boost, but your body too. I always thought volunteering meant sitting around making sandwiches—totally underestimated the cardio aspect.

I mean, people who volunteer regularly tend to live longer (yeah, that’s a thing) and have lower blood pressure. You’re out there, moving, lifting, walking—and all of that adds up.

Physical perks? Oh yeah:

• Lower blood pressure: The more you help, the more your heart thanks you.
• Healthier heart: Who knew that spending an hour helping out could do wonders for your ticker?
• Less back pain from sitting on your couch: Okay, that might be a stretch, but you get my point.

Volunteering has, in fact, been my unintentional fitness routine. First time I spent a few hours packing boxes at the shelter, I was sore for days. But in a good way, you know? Like, I did something today. And if it means I get a few extra years on this planet, I’ll take it.

Making Friends, Or Rather, Finding Your People

Let me tell you: volunteering is where friendships happen. Maybe you think you’re going in to check off some good-deed box, but then—bam—you’re meeting people who vibe with your energy.

Ever been to a food pantry or a community garden and ended up talking to someone for hours about how you both hate cilantro? That’s the beauty of it. Shared experiences create bonds you didn’t expect.

Volunteer friendships often start with:

• Shared goals—like organizing that giant clothing drive (my friend Mark’s crazy idea turned into something huge, and now we joke about it every year).
• Lots of good laughs—nothing breaks the ice like trying to figure out why the volunteers at the local library insist on giving each other weird nicknames.
• The fact that you’re both committed to something bigger than just your next Netflix binge.

Look, it doesn’t hurt to connect with others who are giving back, and often the benefits of volunteering and giving back include meeting people who make your circle better. (They’ll also make your meme game stronger, trust me.)

Career Boosts, Because Volunteering Isn’t Just for the Good People

I’ll admit it—I didn’t just volunteer to feel better about myself. I was also thinking long-term. Yup, selfish me. Turns out, though, volunteering doesn’t just feel good—it looks good on a resume too. Who knew?

For real: non-profits are always looking for skilled people, and let’s face it, there are tasks you can pick up while helping others that give you a major edge in the workforce.

What you can learn by volunteering:

• Leadership: I may not have run a Fortune 500 company, but I sure as heck ran a food drive, and that counts.
• Time management: You try organizing a holiday charity event with only two weeks’ notice, and tell me how “good with deadlines” you feel.
• Teamwork: Volunteers make things happen, and they do it together. You need people skills.

I was surprised by how much I learned by volunteering at a local youth group. Sure, it started out as helping tutor, but I ended up doing way more—like event planning and leading a group. The skills I got there? Couldn’t find them in my “perfect” job description.

Giving Back, One Small Step at a Time

So here’s the deal: you don’t have to change the world all at once. Volunteering, at its core, is about small steps. One weekend, one hour, one smile at a time. And before you know it, the benefits of volunteering and giving back will be woven into the fabric of your life. It becomes a habit, something you look forward to instead of an obligation.

And hey, no one’s saying you need to sign up for everything on the first day. Start small, like I did with those three hours at the animal shelter. By the end of it, I was obsessed. I felt like I was doing something that mattered. For me, that made all the difference.

In Conclusion… Wait, Let Me Rephrase That

Here’s the bottom line: volunteering isn’t just some noble thing people do to check off their good person box. It’s life-changing. Like, you’ll feel better. You’ll get healthier. You’ll make new friends, learn stuff, and heck, you might even score a new job.

So, y’all ready to give it a shot? There’s something out there for you. Whether you’re helping out at a local food pantry, coaching kids’ soccer, or just picking up trash at the park, the benefits of volunteering and giving back will find you.

And one last thing—if you think you’re too busy? Remember, my first herb garden died faster than my 2020 sourdough starter (RIP, Gary). So trust me, it’s never too late to start making a difference.