Why I Volunteer with Cheer

I get it. No pay, time-consuming, and also paying for your own transport are not really appealing factors in volunteering.

As some of you know, it’s National Volunteer Week and I’ve been an avid volunteer since high school when we were required to complete the mandatory 40 hours to graduate. I’ve volunteered consistently for the past decade and while in the past, I’ve done it to gain experience and as something to put on my resume. As I get older, I volunteer because, well, it has helped with my mental health.

Before you roll your eyes and stop reading, let me explain. Yes, part of volunteering is giving back to the community and feel better about yourself when doing so. Yes, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and feel empowered to make a difference. But for me, volunteering has always grounded me and my mental health whenever my life was overwhelming and chaotic. Studies have shown how volunteering helps combat depression because of the social interaction volunteering provides.

Personally, I’ve always found when I volunteered, it was a place where I could get out of my head (and not overthink) to just focus on someone/something else. To stay present in exactly what I was doing and not worry about the past or future which in turn decreased my stress. Heck, apparently volunteering helps increase life expectancy! Who knew?!

While I recognize having time to volunteer is a luxury and privilege, I think most of us just want to improve society and have organizations, processes, and people to be better. Volunteering even furthers Sustainable Development Goals, an initiative the UN started to build a better world and people by 2030. I believe volunteering can truly make a difference to help! So, if you are considering volunteering, I encourage you to sign-up! Even if it’s just one day, it could help you live longer!

For more information and to volunteer yourself ??: https://volunteer.ca/index.php

#mentalhealth #goodforyourbrainandheart