Are you doing enough to look after yourself mentally and not just physically?

One brilliant way to help your mental wellbeing is through volunteering.

Earlier in October, people across the UK and beyond marked World Mental Health Day with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

With one in six people battling a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression with 20% having even considered taking their own lives, it is so important to ensure that the right steps are being taken to remain proactive.

And it’s not just about being physically fit and finding the time to exercise.

Keeping our mental health in check is also vital and for people in Kent, there is a brilliant website that can help out called Kent Volunteers.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AND LIVE IN KENT? CLICK HERE FOR KENT VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering is a great way to help you make friends, advance your career, learn new skills, and, more crucially, helping yourself to feel happier and healthier while also lending a hand to others.

Keeping your mind and body healthy

Volunteering is hugely effective when it comes to fighting the effects of stress, anger and anxiety. Helping others - including working with animals - can have a profound effect on your mood and overall psychological well-being. It’s also a benefit when battling depression as it can help you get support and can make you happy. Hormone and brain activity research has shown that the rewarding feeling makes people feel better about themselves as well as do wonders for self-confidence. Studies have also shown that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not because they get out and about.

Connecting with others

Volunteering can help make a local community a better place and, at the same time, allow volunteers to connect with others. Even the smallest helping hand can make a world of difference in the lives of others. That being said, it can also help volunteers make new friends, discover new interests and network. Volunteering also gives people a sense of purpose, particularly people who have retired, lost a loved one or are in a life-changing situation.

Helping your career

Those looking for a career change can gain a lot from volunteering. Apart from the chance to meet new people and network, volunteering gives you the chance to practice or even hone important skills like teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management and organisation.

Fun and fulfilment

Volunteering isn’t just about work. It’s also an easy way to explore interests and passions and that means it can also be good fun. For many volunteers, it’s something relaxing, a welcome escape from the normal day-to-day routines of things like work, school and family. It’s also great for revitalising creativity and motivation as well as finding new hobbies.

For more information about Kent Volunteers, visit the official website here, email hello@kentvolunteers.org.uk or call 03000 416259.