Volunteering: A Natural Boost to Your Mental Health - Bim Group

Volunteering: A Natural Boost to Your Mental Health

READ TIME: 3 MINUTES

Whether volunteering with colleagues or on your own, donating time at a soup kitchen or teaching English language classes, volunteering is an opportunity to give back to your community.

Research shows volunteering is also an investment in your mental health and well-being.

Here are a few of the mental health benefits that result from volunteering:

  1. Provides a sense of purpose.

Volunteering connects you with a cause bigger than yourself. And many individuals feel that where they volunteer says something about who they are. Volunteering can offer a sense of direction in what can feel like an unstable world.

  1. Increases feelings of happiness.

It is common to leave a volunteer assignment feeling better than when you arrived. The Journal of Happiness Studies published a study showing a correlation between volunteerism and increased happiness. During activities such as contributing to a meaningful cause, your body produces dopamine, which boosts well-being. Volunteering is also linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.

  1. Expands your social network.

Loneliness has been described as an epidemic in the U.S. and making friends as an adult can be difficult. Volunteering is a remedy to this problem because it brings new people with a shared interest into your social circle.

There are many organizations seeking volunteers. If you need help figuring out where to start, groups like VolunteerMatch, the United Way, and Volunteer.gov can help you match your interests and talents to organizations that need help. Getting involved will boost your well-being and make a big difference in the community.

 

Recent Insights

March 23, 2023
News

EBSA Announces Priorities for 2023

READ TIME: 5 MINUTES The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently released its 2022 Unified Regulatory Agenda and Regulatory Plan (Agenda), which outlines regulatory actions federal agencies are considering in the coming year. The Agenda provides insight into rulemaking priorities at the Employee Benefit Security Administration (EBSA) that employers will need to be prepared […]
Read more
March 23, 2023
Affordable Care Act (PPACA)

2023 Federal Poverty Level Released, Impacts ACA Affordability Safe Harbor

READ TIME: 3 MINUTES The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has released its updated federal poverty level (FPL) guidance for 2023. The mainland FPL increases in 2023 to $14,580 (the FPL for Alaska will be $18,210, and for Hawaii will be $16,770). Applicable large employers (ALEs) should take note of the new […]
Read more
March 23, 2023
Webinar

Webinar: Benefit Considerations during Layoffs, Mergers, and Acquisitions

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 1 – 2PM CST Register Now Attend this month’s webinar to learn how to effectively manage benefits in a slowing economy. Gain insights into: Benefit and COBRA references in employment contracts and severance agreements How temporary layoffs and furloughs may affect Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting obligations What determines if the […]
Read more
March 21, 2023
News

Bim Group named one of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Kentucky!

Bim Group is honored to be named a Best Place to Work (BPTW) in Kentucky for the 18th year in a row! It truly never gets old and we are extremely proud of our perennial recognition as a “Best Place to Work” employer – a designation bestowed on our company by our employees. We have a unique […]
Read more