Being of service to others or community is a big part of recovery and the culture of recovery. Volunteering allows people in recovery to find purpose in meaningful activities and rebuild self-esteem that the disease often robes. It cultivates positive social support networks and a sense of belonging. Volunteering increases the opportunity for close interpersonal relationships that combat isolation (Peer Counseling Perspectives, April 2003 Survival News, Mary Lynn Hemphill, “Volunteering for Your Health”). And, volunteer movements are well known for solves social problems. Research reveals that volunteering has mental and physical health benefits of being a volunteer. Volunteering lowers the risk of physical illness because it boots the social psychological factors that healthy people have. It also improves immune systems, decreases insomnia, and a heightened sense of well-being (The Effects of Volunteering on the Volunteer, John Wilson and Marc
Musik, 62 Law & Contemp. Probs., Autumn 1999. The Healing Power of Doing Good, Allan Luks and Peggy Payne). Individuals that volunteer 100 hours annually have improved mental and physical health due to the personal sense of accomplishment (Corporation for National and Community Service. Health Benefits of Volunteering). Volunteering just 2 hours a week of exceeds an annual goal to a healthier life. The rippling benefits of volunteerism is why SoberHood places great emphases on volunteering and creating volunteer opportunities. |
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