Volunteering as a Pathway to Healing

Published May 1, 2025

Are you sitting around at home? Does your heart feel somewhat empty? Is your mind going in circles? If you’re feeling a bit lonely these days and would you like to meet new people, I’ve got an excellent idea to share with you.

What if I told you that volunteering can help fill those voids and give your mental health a boost?

You see, getting out isn’t all about cocktails and happy hours. Sure, parties and gatherings can be fun but you might not be up for that or maybe it’s just not your cup of tea. Perhaps you’re getting tired of that scene. If you’re watching the budget, you know how quickly this can add up.

According to Dr. Albers at the Cleveland Clinic (November 2022), helping others can trigger the reward center in your brain and release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These are key neurotransmitters involved in generating feelings of well-being and happiness.

And according to the Mayo Clinic Health System (August 2023), research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety.

We’ve all heard of a “runner’s high” which is when endorphins are released during exercise. I can personally attest that after I run or do any type of intense exercise, I feel a sense of calmness and improved mood. There’s never a workout that I regret doing. I always feel great afterwards!

Volunteering can produce the same effect! There are additional benefits too, such as meeting new people and getting in some physical activity. Just as important, it can also result in a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

Giving back will make you feel good by helping others and making a difference. Your effort and work matters! YOU matter! It’s a purpose greater than self!

The great thing is that you can volunteer as little or as much as you want. Do what works best for you. There’s no big commitment, nothing to stress over. Why not give it a shot and try?

So when you’re feeling down, don’t turn away from the world. Instead, find a way to be of service. You may reap more than you give!

Along the way, you will meet many new people and some could become lifelong friends! To this day, some of my closest friends are people I met while volunteering over the years. Looking back, my first volunteer experience was with a preschool parents group in my town. A friend asked me to join the board. I remember being nervous about it, as I was just transitioning from being a working mom to a stay-at-home mom. But I got involved and met so many great people, including a gal who has become a dear friend to me throughout the years. Even now, I continue to volunteer and enjoy doing it. I am constantly meeting new people, and I feel wonderful about giving back.

I say all of this to show that I am living proof of how volunteering can be an asset to your mental health. If you have never volunteered or haven’t done so lately, please get out there and try! I know it will make a difference!

There are many ways to volunteer, both locally and nationally. Check out this website VolunteerMatch where you can enter filters such as area of interest and distance you’re willing to travel. It will provide you with tailored suggestions. I’ve also included here some general options such as:

Maybe you’d like to pick something that holds special meaning for you. For example, if you’ve lost a loved one from heart disease, then contacting the American Heart Association and getting involved with their outreach and education efforts might be something you could do.

Or if you have a hobby such as sewing or knitting, you could make blankets and donate them to shelters and hospitals. Delivering them yourself and seeing firsthand the difference your efforts can make will surely boost your morale.

Think about it. Why are you here? Why were you born in this day and time? What talents, interests, and abilities did God give you? What were you meant to accomplish with your time here on earth? We all possess skills which are unique to us, so let’s go out there and do something good with those skills.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Gandhi

Do you have a friend that could use a morale boost? If so, share this article with that person and go volunteer together! Remember….you matter, your talents matter, and your efforts matter. Now go out there and make a difference. I believe in you! I’ve love to hear from you! Comment below, email me at inquiry@sincerelyjulie.com, or find me on Instagram @sincerelyjulie_joyful_living.