DHS supports employee efforts to improve communities, change lives, and discover enriching experiences through volunteering. When you think about volunteering, you probably picture the positive impact it has on the community. Acts of service make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. But what you might not realize is that volunteering also offers powerful benefits for volunteers themselves. One university study found that people over the age of 50 who volunteer regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure, which is a key factor in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Another study revealed that volunteers experience both physical and mental health benefits. Those who volunteered reported better overall health and greater life satisfaction compared to those who people who did not volunteer.
Giving back is not only good for the community – it is good for you too. Below are a wide range of health benefits you can experience if you choose to volunteer:
1. Reduces Stress
Acts of kindness, like volunteering, trigger a release of dopamine in the brain, a chemical that promotes feelings of calm, happiness, and overall well-being. This natural boost can lower stress levels and enhance your mood. Reducing stress is more than just a mental health benefit—it also plays a key role in protecting your physical health. Chronic stress has been linked to a range of serious health issues, including heart disease, anxiety, depression, digestive problems, a weakened immune system, and sleep disturbances. So, when you do good for others, you are also doing something good for yourself.
2. Helps You Stay Fit
Volunteering can help you maintain a healthy, physical routine. One study found that people who volunteer were 1.8 times more likely to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for physical activity. If you want the fitness benefits of volunteering, seek out opportunities that include physical activity, like walking or running to raise money for a cause. Other examples include cleaning up a neighborhood park or building a playground.
3. Enhances Overall Well-being
Volunteering can significantly enhance your self-esteem and sense of purpose by shifting your focus from your own needs to the well-being of others. This outward focus fosters a deeper connection to your community and a greater sense of meaning in your daily life. It is also a powerful way to stay socially engaged and build new friendships, both of which are known to support psychological and cognitive health. In fact, one study found that among people who volunteer, 88 percent reported improved self-esteem, 93 percent experienced better moods, 75 percent felt physically healthier, and 34 percent were better able to manage chronic health conditions.
Giving your time not only uplifts others, but can transform your own well-being, too.
There are volunteer opportunities in every community. The key is to know where to look to find the ones you might be interested in. Check with local faith communities, non-profits, recreational centers, cultural organizations, and schools in your local community.
Below are a few resources to help you find local, national, and international volunteer opportunities:
Questions?
E-mail worklife@hq.dhs.gov to connect with a Work-Life coordinator at DHS.