Volunteering has long been associated with positive benefits for one’s wellbeing including improved mental health (Diu et al., 2020). According to Diu et al., volunteering activities that involve working closely with other people have the potential to increase self-esteem through providing purposeful engagement and promoting feelings such as empathy and gratitude (2020). In addition, by engaging in a volunteer role we may also benefit from enhanced social support networks which gives us a greater sense belongingness within our local communities (Fan & Kimura., 2017). Fan & Kimura further suggest that those who volunteer are more likely to receive recognition from others for their contribution thus creating positive feedback loops which reinforce feelings of value contributing positively towards one’s emotional needs (2017). By engaging in meaningful activities such as volunteering we can also distract ourselves from stressful situations or difficult thoughts thus making these events less emotionally overwhelming when compared against ruminating over them at home alone (Bressert & Kaslow., 2011).

Despite the numerous aforementioned benefits associated with volunteering there are some arguing that it may not be beneficial for everyone depending on their individual circumstances. In particular those struggling with acute levels of stress or anxiety could find themselves overwhelmed by new social interactions or demands placed upon them during certain tasks (Harris et al., 2004). Furthermore if someone does not feel appreciated for the contribution they make during a voluntary role then it could potentially lead them feeling more stressed due to lack of validation received whilst participating in these activities leading to negative outcomes concerning their own mental health status (Omoto & Snyder 2002) . It is important therefore that individuals acknowledge what level of commitment they can realistically offer when engaging in volunteer roles so as not avoid unnecessary distress being caused either on themselves or other participants involved within the activity itself.

For myself I have personally experienced both positives such environmental improvements resulting from beach clean up days but also heightened levels of stress when completing administrative tasks related charity events due tight deadlines needing met etc.. Overall however my experiences have largely been positive ones where I felt supported by colleagues who were able visibly see progress made following each event which was rewarding experience allowing me reflect back on all accomplishments achieved together at end day each time we completed task successfully . Such experiences enabled me stay motivated continue helping out even during more challenging times I encountered along way . Knowing was making difference encouraged me look past struggles face enjoy process being consequential member team undertaking project help out wider community made rewarding journey take part . By regularly participating voluntary activities throughout high school college university years enabled continual development interpersonal skills form strong relationships allowed build strong support networks around myself ultimately helping improve overall quality my own life I think this shows integral part play developing healthy outlook world keep yourself mentally fit happy when doing so correctly safely within limits your capabilities allow you do .

In conclusion this essay has discussed how volunteers contribute meaningfully towards society whilst benefiting themselves in terms improved sense purpose increased self esteem building stronger support networks coping better challenging situations ultimately leading healthier happier lifestyle overall having looked various pros cons associated process before analysing personal experiences engaging voluntarily change lives too works both ways make aware what available offer whether directly assisting disadvantaged members society beautiful natural environment cleaning beaches etc… No matter whatever situation you find yourself sometimes best thing do give little bit yourself help out others need it most truly feel true gift living should endeavour recognise opportunities partake whenever possible way live only limited imagination !

References:
Bressert , S., Kaslow , N.(2011) Crisis Intervention Strategies(8th ed.).Belmont : Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
Diu , M., Bhasin ,S.(2020) “The Impact Volunteering On Mental Health” Psychosomatic Medicine [Online] 82(2): 168–175 Available From: https://pubmed.ncbi/nlm/nih/gov/. [Accessed 4 April 2021].
Fan , X.; Kimura , Y.(2017) “The Benefits Of Volunteering To Mental Wellbeing: A Systematic Review Of Longitudinal Studies” International Journal Of Environmental Research Public Health[Online] 14(5):485 Available From:https://wwwpubmedncbinlmnihgov.[ Accessed 4 April 2021]. Harris JG; Higgs G ; McCambridge J ; Moss C ; Parkinson M ; Hindle DV; Kaner EFS; Elbourne DR; Drummond C.(2004)”Identifying The Barriers And Facilitators To Coherent Planning Of Group Projects Involving People With Severe Mental Illness” Social Psychiatry Psychiatric Epidemiology [Online] 39(3):220-231 Available From: https://pubmedncbinlmnihgov.[Accessed 6 April 2021]. Omoto AM.; Snyder m.(2002)”Volunteers Helping Others Perceived Beneficiary Reciprocity And Well Being In Older Adults” Journals Of Gerontology Series B Psychological Sciences& Social Sciences [ Online] 57(4):P340 – P350 Available From : https://pubmedncbinlmnihgov.[ Accessed 7 April 2021]. WorldHealthOrganization.(2019).”Mental Health Definition”.Availablefrom:[http://wwwworldhealthorganizationint][Accessed 2April2021].