Whether it's a one-off or something you do on a regular basis, volunteering is good all round. As well as making a positive contribution to the happiness of others, it's a great way to meet people, get the most out of your local area and to increase your own happiness and wellbeing.
Why do it?
Science shows that we can get as much out of volunteering as the people we are giving our time for or to.
Giving to others through volunteering and in other ways has been associated with reduced depression and anxiety and increased personal wellbeing and happiness. Indeed one researcher described the 'helpers high'. [1]
What's more, volunteering is one way to actively participate in social and community life, which is also strongly associated with happiness and life satisfaction. [2]
Where to start?
Step 1: Think
What sort of volunteering would work best for you practically? Although it's definitely good to push our boundaries (see Keep learning new things) we're likely to make the biggest impact if it fits with our situation, likes and skills. [3]
A good place to get started is to think about:
Step 2. Find an opportunity that fits
There are lots of ways to find volunteering opportunities that are a good fit for you. Here are some ideas