HEALTH BENEFITS Live longer: Over 40 international studies confirm that volunteering can add years to your life, or a 22% reduction in mortality rates. As little as 25 hours a year can be beneficial. People who volunteer after a heart attack have reported a reduction in despair and depression, factors that have been linked to an increased likelihood of death in heart attack patients. This is according to The Health Benefits of Volunteering. Volunteering can help people cope with a chronic illness, by helping them take their mind off a problem. A study by Pain Management Nursing found that people 's pain ratings dropped from 6 to 4 after volunteering.Such activity also helps people feel more in control of their pain. Lower blood pressure: …show more content…
Citizens Advice Bureau published a study that also found that volunteering boosts self-esteem. In an alienated world, the value of developing social bonds and an expanded social life shouldn 't be underestimated. Volunteering helps people manage and lower stress levels. Helping others, our body releases oxytocin, which buffers stress. Perspective – working with others can help us re-examine and reflect on our own lives. Happiness: According to professor Stephen Post, a part of our brain lights up when we help others, then doles out dopamine and possibly serotonin. Some people feel more serene, others more warm and trusting. Career benefits – if the skills match a person 's career, volunteering can boost their resume. A lot of volunteering also entails hidden but valued skills such as leadership, teamwork, and good, empathetic communication. A survey carried out by TimeBank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses - 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without, and 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to