Volunteer when you can, and feel like you have more time!

Living in today’s age of technology with luxuries like high speed internet, accessible ways of transportation, and various forms of entertainment at our fingertips, it’s easy to get caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle.  We now have access to more places, assignments and activities than ever, and before you realize, the day is done.  Work all day, squeeze in a workout, make dinner, catch your favorite TV show (if you’re lucky), then fall asleep – exhausted!  At least that’s how it goes for me. Time flies by.

Studies prove that volunteering makes you feel as though your time is being used more efficiently than if you use it only for yourself. A 2012 study from researchers at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Yale’s School of Management and Harvard Business School has shown that people who spend time on others are more likely to feel they have extra time themselves. You can actually feel less time constrained by doing something good for others, primarily because you know, for a fact, that your time is not being wasted. Researchers asked two groups of participants to perform different tasks:  one spent 10 minutes on themselves, the other group spent 30 minutes lending a hand to a worthy cause. For example, helping someone with a task versus leaving a meeting early. They found that those who helped others were left feeling like they had more time, or in research terms, had “time affluence.”

Volunteering will make you feel more useful, accomplished, and give you something to be proud of!  Making others feel good will make you feel good too, and in turn you will realize you have all the time you need! What better reason to volunteer?

Be sure to catch up on our episodes on thepeaktv.com. Every episode features a wonderful "Volunteer Spotlight" that is sure to inspire your inner volunteer and warm your heart. 

By Emily Boeglin