The Ultimate Mental Health Benefits Of Volunteering Your Time

When you’re juggling the chaos of single motherhood, the thought of volunteering might feel overwhelming. I get it. Life can feel like one endless to-do list. But giving just a little of your time to help others can have a profound impact … not just on those you help, but on your physical and mental health too. The mental health benefits of volunteering outweigh the

Let me share a bit of my story. A few years ago, as a newly single mum, I felt untethered. Between the demands of parenting and navigating life on my own, I struggled to find a sense of purpose. Then, one day, I decided to volunteer at a local food bank. It wasn’t grand or time-consuming, just a couple of hours per week. But those hours changed me. Helping others reminded me of my strengths and gave me a reason to step out of the “mum mode” I was stuck in.

Let’s dive into how being of service to others can help you make your life more meaningful … and give you better physical and emotional health.

Mental health benefits of volunteering

Finding a Sense of Purpose

Behavioural health research has shown that volunteering isn’t just good for the community; it has heaps of physical and mental benefits as well. Studies found that volunteering reduces stress levels, lowers feelings of isolation, and even decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety. The act of giving back activates areas of the brain linked to happiness and reward, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. In a way, volunteering offers a workout for your mental health and wellbeing.

Sandra, one of my clients, is a 45-year-old single mum who’s been through the wringer. After a tumultuous divorce, she found herself battling low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. She didn’t think she had much to offer, but I encouraged her to try volunteering at her local op shop. The small act of sorting clothes and chatting with customers gave her a renewed sense of purpose. “I feel useful again,” she told me one day, her eyes shining with renewed pride and identity. “My perception of how I view myself has shifted and I feel happier.”

When you’re sharing your time and resources, you step out of your own struggles for a while. You start to see your value in a new light. And that feeling? It’s priceless.

Building a Strong Support Network

Volunteerism also connects you with others who care about making a difference. For Jade, a 33-year-old single mum working full-time, loneliness was a constant battle. An introvert, she decided to spend just an hour a week visiting senior residents at a nearby care home with her daughter. Meeting new people and working with others were life-changing. She was able to make new friends and got out of social isolation.

“I didn’t just meet lovely older adults at the care home. I met a version of myself I hadn’t seen in years,” Jade said. She’s now got a supportive social network who understands her challenges.

Being part of a community and having a support system reminds you that you’re not alone. When you make friends with those with whom you share common interests, it creates bonds that go deeper than casual acquaintances. These social benefits help when you’re working toward something meaningful.

Boosting Self-Worth and Confidence

Aside from the opportunity to make friends, one of the most beautiful things volunteering can give is how it builds your confidence. When you see the difference you make, no matter how small, you start to feel more capable. For me, those early days of handing out groceries at the food bank reminded me of my resilience and resourcefulness.

Sandra experienced something similar. She used to feel invisible like her struggles defined her. However, as customers at the op shop began to appreciate her kindness, she started to walk a little taller. Sharing her time and talent lets her gain a sense of accomplishment, instantly allowing her to face the day in an improved mood.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

It might sound strange, but focusing on others can ease your own worries. When I’m volunteering, my mind quiets down. I’m not stressing about bills or workplace deadlines. I’m present. Jade told me she felt the same after she visited the care home. “I get out of my head for a bit,” she said. “It’s like pressing pause on my worries.”

Science backs this up. Helping those in need releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that reduce stress and anxiety, and oxytocin, those happy hormones that boost your mood. As you already know, doing this has tremendous benefits to your physical health, as stress and anxiety are the best friends of heart disease. Research also suggests that, in many cases, this form of social interaction is linked to lower mortality rates compared to non-volunteers.

Volunteering also increases our chances to live longer, healthier lifespans. Giving your time not only lifts your spirits but may also extend your years … a win-win for you and your family.

Benefits of volunteering for your well-being

Gaining New Skills and Experiences

People who share their resources volunteering in a nonprofit doesn’t just help the needy or improve their health conditions. It helps them grow. I’ve picked up communication and organisational skills that have carried over into my work and parenting. Sandra now manages the op shop’s inventory, a skill she never thought she’d have. And Jade is learning to lead group activities at the care home, which has boosted her confidence at work.

These skills can open doors, whether you’re looking to re-enter the workforce or just want to feel more empowered.

Creating Positive Role Models for Your Kids

When you volunteer, your kids notice. They see your kindness and learn the value of giving back. Jade’s daughter loves helping her mum bake treats for the care home residents. She’s even started a “kindness jar” at school. Seeing her daughter’s pride gives Jade immense pleasure.

Volunteer opportunities have been a way to show my kids that helping others isn’t just a nice thing to do … it’s a way of life. Additionally, volunteering provides an incredible opportunity for my kids to learn new skills, especially social skills, and build friendships.

Volunteering on Your Terms

The best part? It’s nice to know that volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. You can find opportunities that fit your schedule and energy, whether it’s baking for a fundraiser, spending an hour at a local shelter, or even helping a neighbour with their garden; every little bit counts. No matter how little, you still benefit from the mental and physical health boost that volunteering gives.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

The numerous physical and mental health benefits of volunteer activities don’t magically erase your struggles. But they give you tools to face problems. Aside from significant health benefits, they remind you of your strength, connect you with others, and bring a little joy to your days.

So, take that step. Offer a helping hand. You might just find that the person you’re truly helping is yourself.

Single Mama Elle

Elle is our compassionate single mum counsellor, dedicated to guiding fellow mamas through life's challenges. With a heartfelt commitment to transforming obstacles into opportunities, Elle provides empathetic support and practical guidance to her clients. As a single mother herself, she intimately understands the daily struggles and joys of single parenthood. Outside of counselling sessions, Elle finds rejuvenation in nature walks and yoga practice, nurturing her own well-being to better support others. Through her counselling practice, Elle aims to instil unwavering belief in single mums, empowering them to navigate life's journey with resilience and optimism.

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