b'2019-2020WPMA CEOs Messagecontinued Benefits of VolunteeringVolunteering combats depression. Volunteering keepsJust because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean you in regular contact with others and helps youthe skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering op-develop a solid support system, which in turn protectsportunities provide extensive training. For example, you against depression. you could become an experienced crisis counselor Volunteering makes you happy. By measuring hor- while volunteering for a womens shelter or a knowl-mones and brain activity, researchers have discoverededgeable art historian while donating your time as a that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure.museum docent.Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. TheVolunteering can also help you build upon skills you more we give, the happier we feel. already have and use them to benefit the greater com-Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are munity. For instance, if you hold a successful sales doing good for others and the community, whichposition, you can raise awareness for your favorite provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your rolecause as a volunteer advocate, while further developing as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride andand improving your public speaking, communication, identity. And the better you feel about yourself, theand marketing skills.more likely you are to have a positive view of your lifeVolunteering on one of our state association boards or and future goals. with WPMA will bring you in contact with other mar-Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Olderketers and business owners who are facing many of the adults, especially those who have retired or lost asame challenges you are. Through your participation, spouse, can find new meaning and direction in theiryou can gain insights and learn new best practices on lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situ- how to run your business more effectively. ation, volunteering can help take your mind off yourWhen it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and addare the only requirements. While learning new skills more zest to your life. can be beneficial to many, its not a requirement for a Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Stud- fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the ies have found that those who volunteer have a lowermost valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteerseffort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everydaypitch in wherever needed, and a positive attitude.tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure,Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life. It and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can alsois an easy way to explore your interests and passions, lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk ofand can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your heart disease. day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commit-Advance Your Career ments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over If youre considering a new career, volunteering caninto your personal and professional life.help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if youre not planning onExcerpts from Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportu- by Jeanne Segal, PH.D. and Lawrence Robinson.nity to practice important skills used in the workplace,Ssuch as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project plan-ning, task management, and organization. You might feel more com-fortable stretching your wings at work once youve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.40 www.wpma.com / Autumn 2019'