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A life lived in service of others is a whole-health benefit. It doesn’t have to be an all-consuming activity, either! Starting small, right in your own community, can make a big difference. It also makes the act of volunteering feel more manageable when first starting out.

It can be hard to decide where to begin, sometimes. Think about what brings you joy, what passions you have, and how you can participate in those things to make a difference to others. For example, do you enjoy watercolour painting, pickleball, or even simply reading a good book? Ways to bring that to the community in terms of volunteering can look like putting on a watercolour workshop for underprivileged children at the local community center, hosting a beginner’s pickleball session by word-of-mouth, or reading to others at the local library. 

How exactly does volunteering bring you joy and benefit one’s health?

From connection to confidence, volunteering can positively impact the mind, spirit, and even body. Donating time or money, mentoring, and other ways of improving social conditions are all known to trigger the release of dopamine to the brain. This “feel good” chemical is crucial to one’s overall well-being in staving off stress, anxiety, and depression. But this “helper’s high” is just the beginning. Volunteering also improves one’s view of oneself, increasing self-esteem. The result? Confidence to do more! Who doesn’t love that joyful feeling one gets from helping out a friend? On a community or greater level, that joy simply increases. 

Volunteering also gives the day-to-day purpose. This feeling of fulfillment is a wonderful way to live a vibrant retirement; with feelings of empowerment, self-worth, and increased gratitude for what one has. It’s easier to gain perspective and appreciation for one’s own situation when helping those less fortunate.

Interested in where to start volunteering? Call an organization you’re already familiar with or donate to, contact your local community center, check the local message board or (online) newspaper, or check in with Volunteer Canada, a registered charity that provides national leadership and expertise on volunteerism to increase the participation, quality and diversity of volunteer experiences. For a deeper dive into The Value of Volunteering in Canada, Read the full report by The Conference Board of Canada, along with the science behind “Helper’s High”.

And don’t for a second think you need to tackle world hunger or solve the water shortage issues all at once, all on your own! Small, manageable tasks and activities, in one area that brings you joy has far more impact. The butterfly effect of spreading community, simple acts of kindness, and knowledge can result in a tidal wave of good-will from person to person in a ripple effect. And that, is truly vibrant living for all! We always welcome new volunteers in our residences. To find a Verve Residence near you and start volunteering today, click here.

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