Apart from being happier, these are other benefits of being a volunteer
Having a lot of money and wealth is not the only way to achieve happiness. Although we need money to care for life to get a better quality of life.
Some people interpret happiness when he is able to share with others and help others. This is based on the Wholistic Wealth Wisdom survey conducted by PermataBank on established people in four major cities in Indonesia. As many as 49% of respondents admitted that the ability to share with others is an important factor that affects happiness. Meanwhile, 74% of respondents stated that wealth cannot guarantee happiness.
Experts have also developed research on the benefits of helping others for the helper itself. psychologist Lusi Nur Ardhiani, S.Psi, M.Psi told Parenting said, there is an area in the midbrain that lights up when someone gives help. This reaction also occurs when you get a gift, say thank you, or see a beautiful view. The area of the midbrain that lights up, according to Lusi, indicates a feeling of happiness.
In addition, “We feel useful for others,” added Lusi when met at the #BerliburDenganHati event held by PermataBank in Yogyakarta (2/11).
In line with Lusi’s statement, there are at least 5 benefits that we get by helping others, as reported by the following Huffington Post:
Also read: Helping Others Makes Children’s Lives Happier
Giving something to another person has an effect on the body. Research shows, when donating an item to charity or alms, the mesolimbic system, the part responsible for feelings of happiness is triggered. The brain also releases chemicals that drive you to do better.
- Have a stronger relationship
When you help others, according to a National Institutes of Health study, you release a positive vibe, which can be transmitted to friends and those around you. The vibrations strengthen friendly and family ties.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, face-to-face activities such as volunteering can help reduce loneliness and feelings of isolation. When you mingle with a group of volunteers in an organization, or just exchange ideas, tell stories, it can make you a part of the community.
- Finding inner peace
Research from the United Health Group shows 78% of people who for 12 months do charity work (volunteering) admitted to feeling less stressed. They are also calmer and more peaceful than people who do not participate in work volunteer they.
- Increased dignity and self-confidence
Meilia Kurniawati, mama from Almira and Foundra including those who routinely carry out activities volunteer at education field. To Parenting, he said, the activity of helping school children who are outstanding and underprivileged has made him a happy and grateful person.
“I am very happy, especially when I have been directly involved. Thankfully I have so far still had many children in need. Moreover, I was happy to see my younger siblings who I thought were like my own children, ”recalled Lili.
Lili added that sometimes she cries and is touched to see the children who are still lacking and need help.
Also read: Vacation While Volunteering, Why Not?
“If you see my children at home, they already have everything. But for the other children, they don’t even have a toilet at their school. I want to cry seeing that. Moreover, I am a person who is easily touched. The children have high enthusiasm for learning, but the facilities are still very limited. So we are happy to be able to raise funds for example to build toilets, “said Lili describing the condition of schools in remote areas.
Lili, who works as a PermataBank employee, becomes a volunteer from event Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) held by the company. He said, PermataBank has a program that encourages employees to become active volunteer. Of activities volunteer followed, the employee will earn 1 smile point. If 15 smile points have been collected, the company provides scholarships for 1 underprivileged outstanding child for 1 year. In fact, employees also get leave outside of their special annual leave for social activities.
“I’ve always liked to share. When I joined activities volunteer outside the office is a bit difficult. Now, there is distribution through the office so we can have time because it is done on weekdays too, “said Lili.
(Alika Rukhan)
