Wellness Wednesday: The Power of Volunteering

Your time could be the most valuable gift you can give!

Volunteering offers more than just an opportunity to assist those in need. It’s a chance to explore new experiences, engage with your community, connect with new people and pursue your passions. But did you know that volunteering can also boost your health and well-being?

Without further ado, here is what volunteering can do for you!

Benefit 1: Volunteering improves physical and mental health

Volunteers often experience a deep sense of purpose and appreciation from their service, which can help reduce stress. By volunteering, you build meaningful connections with others, creating a supportive network that can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression.

On the physical side, volunteering not only enhances life satisfaction and self-esteem but also promotes physical activity, including walking and general movement, which can help your body feel refreshed after long days of sitting at your desk.

Catherine, Apex’s Director of Kinetiq Health, uses her time helping The Little Timmy Project.

“It is not always easy to find time to volunteer with busy work and life schedules, but finding the time and giving back, even if it’s just 2 or 3 hours, makes a huge difference for the non-profit organization and the people they are helping. The Little Timmy Project is a wonderful organization helping women and children who may need extra support in the Indianapolis community, specifically targeting infant and maternal mortality. This has always been a passion of mine, so volunteering at an organization who has a mission to help decrease those numbers makes volunteering there that much better.”

Benefit 2: Volunteering can bring fun and fulfillment to your life

Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to pursue your passions and make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. Volunteers often find that this experience boosts their creativity and motivation, positively influencing both their personal and professional endeavors.

Lindsay, Apex’s HR Generalist and Wellness lead, frequently donates platelets. When asked why she chooses to volunteer her time in this way, she had this to say.

“With many volunteer opportunities, there aren’t a lot of restrictions keeping someone from being able to participate. When donating platelets, it requires certain blood types, a high enough platelet count, weight restrictions, lack of HLA antibodies that can be found after pregnancy and most of all, the willingness to sit with a needle in your arm for 1.5-2 hours. Platelets unfortunately can’t be made in a lab and the five-day shelf life makes it difficult to keep a consistent supply for the millions every year that need them, which is why donations are so important!”

Benefit 3: Volunteering can help you feel engaged and energized

By dedicating your time to local organizations, you can strengthen your connection to both your community and its residents. While volunteers are motivated by various reasons—such as exploring career paths, acquiring new skills, staying active in retirement or expanding their social circles—they all share a common goal: to enhance the well-being and health of their community.

Kristi, an Apex Account Executive, said she volunteers with a handful of our clients not only because she believes in the mission, but because it helps her to learn more about their initiatives and provides her with a new skillset.

“Being able to give my time for worthy causes while also supporting our clients is something that I am very grateful for. I enjoy seeing the clients outside of meetings and supporting something very near and dear to them. It gives me a sense of purpose, allows me to connect with the community and helps me develop new skills.”

How can you get started?

If you’re inspired to volunteer, begin by considering where your passions lie. Think about whether you prefer working behind the scenes or engaging directly with people. Your answers will guide you in finding a role that suits your interests and skills.

At Apex, we offer our team members 16 hours of volunteer time to use at a location of their choice, along with a company-wide Community Day that introduces new opportunities and organizations. That is where Alma, an Apex Account Executive, found her passion for working with Gleaners!

“One of the reasons I volunteer for Gleaners is that I believe in their mission. As the largest food bank in Indiana, they are working to eliminate food insecurity. I was first introduced to the volunteer opportunities at Gleaners through the Apex Community Day. There are many ways to volunteer at Gleaners, and it is so easy to sign up on their website with a full description of what to expect, hours and whether you will be “behind the scenes” or directly working with the public. Whether you prefer to volunteer alone or with a group of friends, Gleaners is a great option.”

Your time is a valuable gift—share it and experience the profound changes it can bring to your life and the lives of others.