For many people living the hustle and bustle of life or busy with their booming, thriving careers, giving back to the less fortunate, especially people living in poverty, is becoming nothing more than a second thought. These individuals only take centre stage or do help after a major calamity hits, when a grave accident happens, or when a cause, unfortunately, becomes personal. While there are numerous volunteer opportunities in Singapore, some prefer to give back or join these volunteering groups only when needed or required. A good example is a corporate outreach program. Employees start volunteering and doing charity work because the company requires them.
The aim of these volunteer opportunities in Singapore is to be there for the needy. The effects of poverty around the country have been becoming more alarming than ever. Thus, the more reason why people ought to consider volunteering. If you don’t know what to do or have nothing to do during your spare time, then why not volunteer? Committing to volunteer work can lead to even more positive choices, not only for other people, but also for yourself. Helping people, doing charity work, resolving urban poverty, volunteering, and the like actually poses several benefits to your health, mental, emotional, and physical. If you’re suffering from mental health issues, speak to a certified psychologist who are ready to help you.
Keep reading to know more about how joining volunteer opportunities in Singaporecan benefit your health.
VOLUNTEERING 101: HOW CAN VOLUNTEERING BENEFIT YOU?
The current lockdown, global pandemic, urban poverty, calamities, and social inequality in Singapore created a number of challenges among the citizens. Many people and online communities formed to help alleviate these situations. Many individuals volunteered to organise relief operations in an effort to reach out to the community, vulnerable groups, and families affected by the effects of poverty. These deeds don’t just benefit the calamity, pandemic, or living in poverty victims. Sharing your time and energy for a good cause may be helping your health, especially mental health, as much as it is helping other people.
To all volunteers out there, calling your attention! Here are some mental health benefits of participating in volunteer opportunities in Singapore.
1. IT REDUCES STRESS.
On top of this list, did you know involving yourself in volunteer opportunities in Singapore can reduce your stress? As you grow older, you encounter more and more instances and situations that bring you anxiety. When you work with anyone, whether adults, children or pets, you are creating a meaningful connection and building a relationship with them, thus, taking your mind off your worries. According to research, humans seldom get stressed whenever they focus their attention on someone or something else. The richer the experience with volunteering, the more you will feel more satisfied with giving your time, leading to an improved mood and less stress.
2. IT COMBATS DEPRESSION.
Just thinking about the effects of povertycan already cause distress and sadness. When you partake in volunteer opportunities in Singapore, you can free your mind from destructive distraction habits, such as negative thinking or being critical. Volunteering can fuel your will and motivation to help the people living in poverty. Not only them, but alsothe ones affected by the global pandemic and calamities.
3. IT PREVENTS FEELINGS OF ISOLATION.
When you join volunteer opportunities in Singapore, you meet new people, make friends, build new connections, and grow your social and professional network. But more than that, volunteering helps you battle feelings of isolation, alone, and lonely. Picking an activity that gives you a higher chance of meeting people who share the same values and worldview and allows you to open your perspective more is one way to feel good. You build a healthy community garden when you befriend like-minded, like-hearted people. These types of friends who share a common interest can last long, even after the volunteering ends.
4. IT INCREASES CONFIDENCE.
By joining volunteer opportunities in Singapore, you get a sense of accomplishment. You will think, if you can do this, what else is possible? Volunteering activities can help you absorb and adapt to new skills. Gaining an ability associated with a good set of kind-hearted friends can provide mental stimulation and boost your confidence levels. When you know you’re making a difference for others, say, helping those living in poverty, you gain a sense of pride and identity, leading to having a more positive view of yourself.
5. IT GIVES A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND MEANING.
Regardless of age, you can still get involved in volunteer opportunities in Singapore. No matter your age, financial status, or work, whether still in your prime income-earning years or in retirement, volunteering activities can give meaning, purpose, and fulfilment to your life. Whether with elderly adults, young adults, teenagers, children, or animals, due to a natural disaster, or for the ones gravely affected by the effects of poverty, the willingness to do and help in the moment of need can help grow compassion for others while expanding your minds and view in life.
6. IT IGNITES PASSION.
Volunteer opportunities in Singaporeare a fun way to explore different interests besides meeting new friends and helping people suffering from the effects of poverty or living in poverty. Instead of binge-watching your favourite TV series or sitting in front of a computer all day, why not find something that can make you more active outdoors? Volunteering can be an energising escape from your daily routine. If you want to do something that somehow aligns with your daily routine, consider volunteering organisations that let you take dogs on a walk, clean up the woods you love, feed stray cats and pets, or volunteer at a youth soccer camp.
In Summary
According to research, participating in volunteer opportunities in Singapore is proven to improve mental health and cause a longer lifespan. When your body releases good hormones, whether it is through meeting new friends, getting satisfaction from helping, or giving to the needy, your brain spikes at its peak during volunteer activities, resulting in making you happy. You make a significant and positive impact, not just on the lives of the people you are helping but also on your own life. Volunteering can do a lot of cognitive good. So why not give a hand to those who need it every once in a while?
Have any stories to share when you participated in volunteer opportunities in Singapore? Share them with The Best Of You! Visit their website to get inspired by others or inspire others with your story.
