Volunteering and acts of kindness don’t only make a difference for the people receiving help, but they can also be deeply beneficial for the person giving it, too. From easing stress to improving mood and strengthening a sense of purpose, giving back has a powerful impact on our mental well-being. Whether it’s committing to a regular volunteer role or offering small, everyday acts of kindness, service for others can help foster connection and support emotional resilience in meaningful ways.

What mental benefits are most commonly associated with volunteering or acts of kindness?

• Reduced stress: Volunteering can allow us to use our skills in a creative, low-pressure way. Using our personal talents in a meaningful way can boost our sense of accomplishment.
• Improved mood: People generally feel happier when they do good things for others.
• Lower depression and anxiety symptoms: Research shows regular volunteering can reduce symptoms, even for individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions.
• Greater sense of purpose: Feeling connected to something meaningful can boost your overall well-being.
• Community connection: Most volunteering happens with a community, offering opportunities for positive social interaction and engagement with peers.

From a psychological perspective, how does helping others help us?

Our brains reinforce positive experiences, which encourages repeated acts of kindness or service. In other words, helping others literally activates us biologically. This is largely helpful for individuals in recovery. In this context, service work can replace unhealthy coping strategies by engaging those same reward systems in the brain in healthier ways. Additionally, social interaction can play a large role in volunteering. Being around and connecting with others can improve our emotional resilience.

Similarly, volunteering can help build confidence and restore agency. “For anyone who has had their autonomy taken from them, low-pressure volunteer settings provide a safe way for them to reclaim their agency and purpose,” says Joe Jefferies CPS, Peer Support Supervisor at Centerstone.

How do I find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with my interests?

“Volunteer opportunities exist almost everywhere,” adds Jefferies. “Even in small towns, look to your local food banks or community groups for volunteer opportunities.” The first step in finding a volunteer opportunity you enjoy is to identify your passions. Ask yourself what you enjoy both personally and professionally. Something you love may not be something you enjoy doing in high-stress, professional contexts, so volunteering can provide an opportunity for you to engage in those passions without added pressure. Additionally, consider your values and choose organizations or causes that reflect your beliefs. Finally, remember that volunteering doesn’t need to be a major commitment, even one hour per month is appreciated and can make a meaningful impact.

How can I incorporate acts of service or kindness into my routine, even with limited time or resources?

Jefferies highlights the importance of what he calls “micro-gives”. Small actions like sending a supportive text message to a friend, leaving positive comments on social media, holding the door open for someone, and giving genuine compliments are all highly impactful acts that take virtually no time at all. Jefferies also recommends habit stacking as a way to incorporate acts of kindness into your daily routine. For example, each morning as you make your breakfast, send a positive message to a loved one. Over time, this small act of kindness will become second nature.

Everyone has something to give whether it’s their time, talent, or treasure, and all are meaningful. Even the smallest acts of kindness can help strengthen connections and support our mental well-being, reminding us that helping others often helps us, too. Volunteering reminds us that we’re not meant to do life alone. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, Centerstone is here for you. Call us at 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123) or visit our website to get connected with care today.