Use of English

Volunteering and Well-Being

Many people choose to volunteer because they want to help others, but they often discover that they (0) GAIN something valuable in return. Research suggests that giving your time to a good cause can have a positive effect on mental health. One reason is that volunteering helps people to (1) .......... up friendships and feel less isolated. This can be especially important for those who live alone or have recently gone (2) .......... a difficult period in their lives. Volunteers also often develop a stronger sense of purpose, as they know their efforts can make a real (3) .......... to other people. In addition, volunteering can take your mind (4) .......... everyday worries. When people focus on helping others, they may spend less time thinking about their own problems. It can also lead (5) .......... greater confidence, especially when volunteers learn new skills or take on fresh responsibilities. Of course, volunteering should not feel like pressure. The best results usually come when people choose a role that (6) .......... their interests and fits their schedule. In that way, they are more likely to keep (7) .......... helping over time and to get the most (8) .......... the experience.