It’s no secret that volunteering benefits people in need, communities, and worthwhile causes, but did you know it also benefits those who volunteer? While volunteering almost always winds up being about the people being served, it might need to be more about those who provide the service—at first.

Volunteering provides a variety of mental and physical health benefits, including lowering stress, mental stimulation, and creating a sense of purpose.

Once you’re aware of the benefits that come from volunteering, that might be enough to spark the desire to volunteer and get the ball rolling. In other words, what starts out to be about you will eventually wind up being about others.

With the intent to promote volunteerism, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come from volunteering your time and talents.

Benefit 1: A connection to others.

Due to its nature, volunteering will put you in a position to interact with others, thus forming connections with them. If you want to meet new people and increase your circle of friends, volunteering is a good way to do it. Volunteering can also form contacts that will benefit your career.

For some, it’s easy to be outgoing and to connect with people, but for others, it’s not. For those who are shy and less-outgoing, volunteering is a good opportunity to enhance social and relationship skills.

Benefit 2: Volunteering is good for your mind and body.

Have you ever begrudgingly showed up to volunteer your time, not really wanting to be there, and feeling grumpy about it? Then something happens along the way that wipes away those angry, stressful, and anxious feelings and replaces them with feelings of happiness? Such is the case for most who volunteer.

Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose, increase self-confidence, and promote fitness and health. Who wouldn’t want more of this in their life?

Benefit 3: Career advancement.

Because you can volunteer in such a wide variety of ways, it’s possible to learn and develop skills that will enhance your career or uncover a hobby. You might find something you like doing so much that a career change is in order.

Benefit 4: Brings fun and fulfillment to your life.

In volunteering there are opportunities to explore your interests and passions. There are opportunities to renew creativity, become motivated, and enhance vision. Volunteering can provide a break from the monotony of everyday tasks and responsibilities.

So how do you find opportunities to volunteer? It might be a matter of semantics. Volunteerism is also known by other names, such as service and donating. There’s no need for an official project or organization to volunteer your time and efforts. A chance to volunteer might be living right next door. A widow whose lawn needs mowing, an elderly person who’s lonely and would love a visit, or any of a host of possibilities.

If you prefer an organized volunteer opportunity, give JustServe.org a try. This organization lists local volunteer opportunities that are easy to sign up for and attend. There’s also a JustServe.org app that makes finding service projects easier.

One of the beauties of volunteering is that anyone can do it, even children, the elderly, and those who have mobility or health issues. There are ways to volunteer via the internet, or in ways that don’t require standing or manual labor.

Volunteering requires stepping outside your comfort zone, but that’s a good thing. Besides, it’s been said that there is no growth in the comfort zone.

While it might be the personal benefits that convince you to start volunteering, it’ll be the benefits to others that convince you to keep volunteering. What could be better than that?