The Psychology of Volunteering Pt.2: Why Helping Others Feels So Good

"Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help." — Heather French Henry 

In this 3 part series, we'll dive into the psychology of volunteering, unpack the reasons it’s so beneficial, and explore how to make it part of your life. In part 1, we covered the science of why we volunteer and how it can improve both your mental and physical health. In Part 2, we will explore the deeper impact of volunteering on a long-term basis and overcoming some common barriers to volunteering.

The Deeper Impact of Long-Term Volunteering 

While one-off volunteer opportunities can have significant benefits, long-term volunteering offers deeper psychological rewards. Here’s why making volunteering a regular part of your life can be transformative. 

• Identity Shift: When you volunteer consistently, it becomes a part of who you are. Over time, you start to identify as a "helper" or a "changemaker," which can greatly boost your self-esteem and overall life satisfaction. You no longer see volunteering as just an occasional activity but as part of your core identity. 

• Increased Empathy: Regularly volunteering exposes you to people from different walks of life, helping you develop greater empathy. By seeing the world from others' perspectives, you gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. This increased empathy not only enriches your volunteer work but also enhances your relationships in other areas of your life. 

• Building Resilience: Volunteering isn’t always easy. From navigating tough situations to problem-solving on the fly, it teaches resilience. The challenges you face in your volunteer work prepare you to handle life’s difficulties with grace and perseverance. As you push through obstacles, you grow stronger, more adaptable, and more capable of facing whatever comes your way. 

• Combating Loneliness: In today’s digital age, loneliness is a growing issue. Volunteering offers a powerful antidote by providing regular social interaction and a sense of community. By engaging with others and working towards a common goal, you can build lasting relationships that combat feelings of isolation. 

Overcoming Common Barriers to Volunteering 

Despite its many benefits, some people hesitate to volunteer. Let’s tackle a few common concerns and offer practical solutions: 

• "I Don’t Have Enough Time" Time constraints are one of the most common reasons people hesitate to volunteer. The good news is, you don’t need to commit hours every week to make a difference. Many organizations offer flexible volunteering options, including virtual opportunities or weekend projects that fit into even the busiest schedules. 

• "I Don’t Have the Skills" You don’t need special qualifications to volunteer! Many roles require no prior experience, and volunteering is a great way to learn new skills on the job. Organizations often provide training, so you’ll be prepared for your role. 

• "I Feel Overwhelmed" If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of volunteering, start small. You don’t have to dive into a long-term commitment right away. Choose a one-time event or short-term project to test the waters before deciding if you want to take on more. 

• "I’m Afraid of Overcommitting" If you're concerned about commitment, try short-term or one-time volunteering opportunities first. These "bite-sized" experiences let you contribute without feeling tied down, and you can always decide to take on more once you're comfortable. 

Remember, volunteering is a journey, and it might take a few tries to find the right fit. But once you do, the rewards are endless for both you and your community. 

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