Use of English

Volunteering and Wellbeing

It is often claimed that volunteering benefits not only the people who receive help but also those who give it. While this may sound like a comforting cliché, a growing body of research appears to (0) BEAR it out. People who volunteer on a regular basis frequently report lower levels of stress, a stronger sense of purpose and a greater feeling of connection with others. One reason for this is that volunteering can (1) .......... attention away from repetitive negative thoughts and towards practical action. Instead of becoming (2) .......... by personal worries, individuals are often required to focus on the immediate needs of others. In doing so, they may gain a more balanced perspective on their own difficulties. Volunteering can also foster a sense of competence, particularly when people see that their efforts have a tangible (3) .......... on someone else's life. Over time, this can (4) .......... self-esteem and resilience. Social contact is another important factor: even occasional volunteering may help people (5) .......... off feelings of isolation, especially if they have been living alone or working remotely. None of this suggests that volunteering is a cure-(6) .......... for serious mental health conditions, but it can certainly form part of a broader strategy for maintaining emotional wellbeing. In short, helping others may, somewhat (7) .........., be one of the most effective ways of helping oneself, provided that people do not take (8) .......... more than they can realistically manage.