Why Volunteering Is Good For You STEPHEN GERI

Many people spend time wishing that they had more time to give back. Wanting to give backand do good is a great start, but finding the time is another story. It’s time to make

volunteering a priority, and these reasons why should help give you some extra motivation.There are so many different ways that volunteering is good for YOU!

Volunteering Is Good For Your HealthVolunteers aren’t just happier than other people, they’re also healthier, with less likelihood of having a number of serious

health conditions. Even more surprising, people who spend time volunteering may feel they have more free time than

those who don’t. They have learned the art of multitasking and get the self­satisfaction of feeling more efficient as a result!

Volunteering Is Good For Your CareerIf more happiness and better health aren’t enough to convince you to take the time to

volunteer, what about career advancement? For people who are unemployed or recent

graduates who haven’t found a job in their field, volunteering can be a great way to get

experience, make new connections, and even potentially turn it into a job opportunity.

How To Volunteer:

Of course, not every kind of volunteer work is for everyone. But, fortunately, there is a huge range oforganizations looking for free help, and they’re seeking a huge range of talents!

Do you like building things?Find a local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

Love animals?Your local animal shelter is probablylooking for someone to walk the dogs

or help with adorable cats.

For many people, volunteer work is an extension of otherparts of their lives. Parents are especially likely to volunteer,

and for many of them that means helping at their kids’ school,coaching a Little League team, or leading a scouting troop.

One great motivator for many volunteers is support from theorganization that takes up the bulk of their time – their employer.

Some companies encourage workers to support local organizationsby offering a few paid days a year for helping out.

It can be hard to get started, trust me I know, butpeople who have helped out and volunteered with an

organization a few times tend to see how whatthey’re doing is generous as well as helpful to

themselves at the same time!