Volunteering is the best free-time activity… and here’s why:

First off, the main problem here is that there are way too many people spending their free time playing video games, watching television, and doing other self-entertaining activities, when instead, they should consider spending their time giving back to the community.

No, I’m not saying to ONLY volunteer, but maybe keep in mind that there are better things to do other than frying your brain and burning your eyes. In fact, volunteering can lead to a healthier lifestyle in comparison to many other activities.

There are three main points explaining why volunteering is far superior to other free time activities.

• First is the motive, which provides opportunities to help improve another person’s life, especially to those in need.
• Secondly is the benefits that can improve both your health, other people’s health, and the overall community’s bond and engagement.
• Lastly is the sense of accomplishment that volunteering exhibits, increasing pride, confidence, and improves one’s character.

And we will start with the motive! The quote listed above is a common quote used for many things throughout our lives, but I wanted to connect this to the purpose in volunteering to show how important it really is to society. 

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”

This pushes the idea of appreciation for the things in our lives. The things that we may find as useless and “trash,” others may desperately need.. We need to start remembering that the things we have are a true blessing and if we end up not needing these things, donate them to those who might need it more.

Based on the data from the Feeding America Organization, there are around 50 million people who suffer from food insecurity and are living in poor or harsh conditions. Especially now with the pandemic, these numbers have been increasing a lot more quickly. Many of these people are forced to make very tough decisions between life-essential resources. Shown above, around 69% of people who live in poor conditions have to make a choice between food and utilities, 67% choose between food and transportation, 66% food and medical care, 57% food and housing, and 31% food versus education. And this just shows how much people really need to live a decent life and how there are so many things that we brush over in our daily lives that we do take for granted. By volunteering or even performing small tasks for the good of the community can make HUGE differences in the lives of people, animals, and organizations who need it the most. 

Here is a short list of a few examples of how small these actions can be that can bring great benefits to others. Simple things like making cards for patients can truly brighten someone’s day. While other things like organizing library books or planting a garden can help those in the future and lighten the load for other people in the community.

Next is the benefits. We know that volunteering is a very selfless activity, but what we don’t think about is that it not only has benefits for those who you are helping but also to yourself.

Volunteering is actually a two way road activity. After doing research, I have found data based on the UnitedHealthCare organization that around 75% of those who volunteer have reported that they do feel physically healthier. 79% of people also have experienced lower stress levels and 78% feel that they have a greater control over their health and well-being. Finally, around 34% of people feel that they can manage their chronic illnesses much better. As we can see here, helping out others who need it the most can also help you in a way.

Volunteering also has major improvements in relation to yourself and the community. Some of the things that you get from volunteering is you get to meet new people, strengthen your bond with your community itself, it can increase your social skills and interactions, and can broaden your support network. Volunteering also allows you to gain all types of experiences and take on challenges at the same time that you are having fun with friends and family and contributing your help.

The final take-away is the sense of accomplishment you get from volunteering. This hobby gives a sense of pride and shapes you into a better person at heart. There is no better feeling than the satisfaction that comes with helping others. 

Some data that I found also from the UnitedHealthCare organization, is that 88% of people who volunteer reported that they have an increase of self-esteem and confidence. Around 93% of people also get a burst of energy, a boost in their mood, and an increase in happiness. There is also 94% who feel that they are more worthy and have a better feeling in their purpose in life. This is so wonderful because as you are helping people, it can make you feel much better about yourself and gives you a more positive outlook and reflection of your own life.

Unfortunately, there are some people who do believe that volunteering sucks. These people think that if you continue to keep helping others, the people being helped will never learn to live for themselves. I do understand where they are coming from, but what they don’t realize is that not all people are fortunate enough to have a decent life. Some people really have to work all day and all night just to have a single meal. Some people don’t have homes, family to go to when they’re in need, or any support system. It’s really hard living out in the world with essentially, nothing. And when volunteers help out by giving food, water, clothing, and shelter, they get refreshed. A little bit of positivity is all some people really lack. It gives those in need a push forward and a sense of motivation to improve their lifestyle. It gives an uplifting feeling when they feel that someone cares. And most importantly, it gives an urge to pay it forward. It’s a cycle that when those who ARE helped, eventually help out later, too. So for those of you who think this way… SNAP OUT OF IT and consider helping out for the good of the world. 

All in all, there are around 1.89 billion people who could use your help today. So if you have free time, go volunteer!