Consider sharing your time and money with those that are less fortunate. You’ll be surprised by the benefits you receive by sharing your resources. Most of us feel we don’t have any time or money to spare, but that’s rarely the case. Even a couple of hours each week can make a meaningful difference.
Give to others and get more in return. Consider these benefits:
1. Enhance your community. When you donate your time and money locally, your community is improved. Not only do strangers, friends, and family benefit, but you also benefit. Take an active part in your community and help everyone around you.
2. Boost your position in the community. You’ll become well known as a generous and important person. Volunteering can help your career and overall social status. You never know whom you might meet along the way.
3. Those that volunteer have fewer health issues and often live longer. You can expect to be healthier and happier if you volunteer regularly. Several studies suggest that volunteering is more beneficial to seniors than diet and exercise are.
4. Helping others can be a great distraction from your own challenges. It’s hard to think about yourself while you’re helping others. Give yourself a mental break and volunteer your time.
5. Feel good about yourself. Helping others give us another reason to feel good about ourselves. Sharing your time or financial resources with others is a form of kindness. You’ll feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment by helping others.
6. The more you give, the more you get. The more you help others, the more others will want to help you. It never seems to fail. When you’re generous, good things just seem to happen. You can never predict the benefits you’ll receive.
7. Your social circle will grow. This is especially true if you donate your time. You’ll come into contact with others that share your desire to be altruistic. Not surprisingly, those that volunteer can make great friends. You already know they’re likely to be wonderful people. Imagine spending more time with others that are motivated to be kind and helpful.
8. Discover that your life is better than you thought. You may have a few challenges, but you’re likely to come across others with challenges that are far greater. Realizing how difficult life is for some people makes your own issues seem a little easier to manage. Your perspective is changed.
9. Gain a sense of purpose. When you choose a volunteering opportunity, you’ll naturally choose a cause that you believe is meaningful. When you spend your time on meaningful activities, you’re filled with a sense of purpose.
- Find an organization that resonates with your values. You’ll look forward to the time you spend there.
There are many people that need help for one reason or another. When you have more than you need, it only makes sense to share some of your excess with others. You can gain a new perspective that makes your own life seem more manageable.
You’ll also expand your social circle and enhance your position in the community. Help others and help yourself in the process. You can’t do something nice for someone else without benefiting in some way. Over 75% of the population doesn’t volunteer in any capacity. Even one hour each week can provide benefits, both to others and you.
