(Benefits of Volunteering on your Mental Health) There are many benefits to the community when we volunteer our time. Did you know there are also benefits to your mental health?
Angela Thoreson, a licensed independent clinical social worker in Psychiatry & Psychology in Austin, Minnesota, wrote in a Mayo Clinic article that “ Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults…”
The main benefit of volunteering is noticeable improvements in mental health. Angela Thoreson explains that “Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine… Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such has heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness.”
As an adult, research shows that volunteering “leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety especially amount people 65 and older.” Additionally, volunteering as an adult “can give you a sense of purpose” writes Trish Lockard in an article for National Alliance on mental Illness (NAMI). “Dedicating time to a cause can give you new direction and allow you to find meaning in something unexpected. It can also take your mind off your own troubles while keeping you mentally stimulated.”
FTSV Coaching is Impactful!
Coaching participants about FTSV’s Life Skills – collaborating with others, pursuing goals, overcoming challenges, showing respect, making good choices, and building a positive self-identity – gives volunteer coaches that worthy cause to rally behind and building blocks to living a happy and healthy life. When you teach those skills, you must also demonstrate them, and that will lead to improved mental health.
Being part of a team also leads to improved mental health. First Tee – Silicon Valley is looking for adult coaches to join our team of over 200 coaches. By becoming a coach or volunteer, you will contribute to the development of the life skills and character of our participants, helping to set them up for the future. You will also benefit personally through the people you will meet and work with.
We rely on Volunteers like you!
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community members determined to make a difference to work with us, delivering our fun life skill curriculum to the participants. If volunteering as a coach sounds like a good fit for you, please visit our volunteer page where you can apply. Please also consider inviting a friend, or a work colleague.
Updated: 2-7-25 Published: 10-22-2024