Helping others can provide mental, physical and community benefits, says a UNC Health expert, Dr. Austin Hall.
If the COVID-19 pandemic has left you feeling disconnected, disheartened or just plain down in the dumps, a good way to reconnect and feel better is to volunteer in your community.
Before the pandemic, about three in 10 Americans volunteered each year, but 2020 saw a major drop in volunteerism as people stayed home to stay safe and weren’t sure how to find virtual opportunities.
Finding a safe way to volunteer now can not only help your community but can also benefit your whole health, says Dr. Austin Hall, medical director of the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health.
“We approach patient care holistically,” Hall says. “That means making sure that we are looking at patients’ physical, social and cognitive well-being. Volunteering is a great tool that can engage all of those aspects of health.”
Whether you help build a home, serve food, clean up litter or perform another act of service, here are four ways Hall says volunteering can benefit your health.
Mental health benefits of volunteer work
Volunteering has been shown to have a positive effect on both mental health and cognitive abilities. By engaging in a common mission or cause with others, you feel more connected and useful, which spurs happier thoughts and a more positive outlook…..read the full article here.