The Science of Giving: How Volunteering Benefits Wellbeing
Volunteering is more than just a noble gesture; it’ s a scientifically supported path to greater health and happiness. Numerous studies have demonstrated that people who regularly volunteer experience lower rates of depression and anxiety, improved mood, and even longer lifespans. Giving back activates regions in the brain associated with pleasure, trust, and social connection, releasing a cascade of feel-good chemicals such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
But why does volunteering have such a profound effect? Research from the Corporation for National and Community Service shows that volunteers experience higher levels of life satisfaction and self-esteem, and they are less likely to develop high blood pressure as they age. The sense of meaning and connection that comes from helping others can combat stress and loneliness, two of the biggest threats to mental and physical health in modern society.
Building Purpose Through Service
Many people embark on their volunteering journey with the intention of helping others, only to discover that the experience transforms them in unexpected ways. Volunteering provides a sense of structure and meaning that can be especially beneficial during major life transitions such as retirement, career changes, or personal loss when one’ s sense of identity may feel uncertain.
Volunteering also opens doors to new experiences and perspectives. It exposes us to people from diverse backgrounds, helping to expand our worldview and foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding. Whether you’ re tutoring a child, planting trees, visiting the elderly, or supporting a local food bank, every act of service broadens your horizons and deepens your connection to the world around you.
My very first volunteering experience was in a makeshift shelter / soup kitchen in the basement gymnasium of Trinity Church in downtown Atlanta, Georgia when I was eight years old. This experience was teeming with emotional first experiences and new perspective. The first thing I recall was the way I felt when certain folks were refused entrance to the building because they were“ late.” I also recall identifying early on that the people I encountered were struggling with a host of issues that I could did not begin to comprehend at that age. I gained perspective on the homeless crisis, mental health, and the importance of shelter and a warm meal. Moreover, I was able to put a face and name to the homeless crisis, thereby dispelling many of the social stigmas and stereotypes assigned by those that have no real understanding of the issues in the first place.
Volunteering and Social Connection
MEMBERSHIP
One of the most significant benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. In a time when many people struggle with isolation and loneliness, volunteering offers a unique way to forge connections with others who share your values and passions. Working together toward a common goal creates a powerful sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Social connection is a vital ingredient in the recipe for well-being. Studies have shown that strong social ties are linked to lower levels of stress, better immune function, and a reduced risk of chronic illness. Volunteering creates a natural context for forming these bonds, whether you’ re working as part of a team or building relationships with those you serve.
Moreover, volunteering can help develop valuable skills— such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving— that translate into all areas of life. For students and young professionals, volunteering can provide opportunities for personal growth, career exploration, and networking. For older adults, it offers a way to stay active, engaged, and relevant in their communities.
26 years after my first volunteering / service experience, I am now 34 years old and have developed close relationships with the following non-profit organizations: Hope Atlanta; St. Vincent DePaul – second hand clothes; Open Hand Atlanta / Meals on Wheels – meals for those who are incapacitated or immobile; Habitat for Humanity – housing for the unhoused; Trees Atlanta – environment and adding trees; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society— fighting, preventing, awareness for blood cancer; Atlanta Community Food Bankfeeding Georgia; Salvation Army( 434 Marietta Street)— providing temporary shelter, job services Lived across the street; helped occasionally; saw the need firsthand; American Red Cross- blood. These relationships have provided the opportunity to serve my community, make significant social connections, build my network, and develop skills that have boded well for me in the legal field.
Overcoming Barriers: Making Volunteering Accessible
Despite the many benefits, some people hesitate to volunteer, believing they lack the time, resources, or skills to make a meaningful contribution. However, volunteering is a highly flexible and inclusive activity. Opportunities abound for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, from one-time events to ongoing commitments.
For those with busy schedules, micro-volunteering— short, convenient tasks that can be done from home or on your own time— offers a way to contribute without
www. atlantabar. org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 21