Volunteering is a great way to help others, whether it's a friend who is struggling with their homework or an elderly person who feels lonely. Helping others can actually help you too.
If somebody volunteers, they do something for the benefit of another person
or the world around us, such as our local community, without being paid. It can be organized, such as work for a charity or helping your neighbours with their food shopping. Many people volunteer to help the environment by picking up liter or planting trees.
How does helping others help you?
Research has shown that volunteering improves our well-being. It can give you a sense of purpose, which can in turn develop your self-confidence and make you feel motivated（有积极性的）. For example, if you love nature, why not volunteer for a wildlife charity?
How does it impact your health?
It has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety（焦虑）because many people find that they are distracted（分心）from their worries by concentrating on（专注于）the needs of others. Volunteering also provides an opportunity for you to meet and connect with people, "which is good news for our mental health," says Jolie Goodman of the Mental Health Foundation.
A. What is volunteering?
B. When do you volunteer?
C. Volunteering comes in all shapes and sizes.
D. Volunteering can make you happier over time.
E. This is especially true if you match volunteering to your interests.
F. Studies have shown that volunteering can improve your physical health too.
